Chapter 53: Hour of Judgement

The sun of a new day had just cleared the peaks of the White Iron Mountains, their vast shadows retreating from the land. Dew glistened on every leaf, stone, spider's web, and blade of grass throughout Seahaven. The waves continued their eternal eb and flow against the shores, the gulls calling loudly over the gentle crash of water. The first birdsongs filled the Emerald Forest as its denizens awoke.

Today, however, the residents of Seahaven were awake and abuzz well before the first sliver of day stirred their woodland neighbors. There was a tension to everyone as they left their homes, all dressed in their best. It could be felt in their hesitancy as they locked their doors behind them, the anxiety in their eyes and smiles as they greeted each other, and the stiffness of their strides as they walked towards the palace like lines of ants returning to their nests. Already a crowd was gathered at the gates. It seemed the entire town was waiting to come in, and with good reason.

Today was Lara Anclagon's trial.

It was all anyone talked about since Maelstrom's attack on the marina. That, and the attack itself and the subsequent fire at the hospital. It did not take long for any conversation to turn towards the most notorious mage in Seahaven. There were thousands of witnesses to her transformation and battle on the shore, and almost as many to what transpired at the hospital. The rumors floating around her changed day by day. No one was sure what the truth was, much less what she was anymore. Hero. Villain. Goddess. Demon. Friend. Or Foe.

Today they would hopefully have some answers. Today they would learn just who and what Lara really was. She would be judged before the royal court not only for what happened at the marina and hospital, but also for what she hid from the entire kingdom. And, if one of the rumors was to be believed, she would answer for the murder of King Triton's father.

At King Eric and Queen Ariel's orders, the trial was made open to the public. This was an unusual decree and birthed no shortage of its own rumors. Matters brought before the royal court were often ones that could not be settled in the municipal ones. The proceedings were kept exclusive to the council members, the royal family, and the parties involved. For Lara's trial to be made public was a deviation from tradition, and no one was quite sure what to make of it.

But as the gates began to slowly open, two facts remained unanimous among the people. Lara Anclagon was not who she said she was. And no one was sure how this trial would end for her.


Eric was just as restless as his people. He stood in front of his mirror, fumbling with the buttons to his white royal uniform. Normally he would have manservants to help him dress–such was the privilege of a king. Today, however, he wished to be alone with the task and his thoughts. He needed something to keep him occupied physically and mentally, or he was liable to stress himself ragged before the trial even started. It seemed to be doing little for him. The crisp, wrinkle-free neatness to his clothes belied his churning uncertainty inside. His manservants could have dressed him three times over in the time it had taken by himself to get this far. He put layers on in the wrong order or forgot them altogether, forcing him to start over. He agonized over which pair of gloves to wear despite the fact they were all exactly the same. Twice already he failed to align the buttons to his uniform correctly. He did not feel as if he were dressing for a day in court. He felt as though he were putting on armor for a war. One he wanted more than anything not to fight.

"Darned little…!" he muttered as he tried to force a button through its hole, only for it to slip out of his fingers. "You fit the other two times! Why won't you just…?"

"Need a hand?"

Eric looked up from his dressing troubles to see Ariel approaching him in the mirror. Her hair was done up, and she had a pair of pearl earrings in her ears. She was wearing only a plain white shift and petticoat, the very first layers of her morning outfit.

"Is it that obvious?" asked Eric, still struggling to button himself. For some reason, his fingers just would not obey him.

Ariel walked over and rested her hands on his, turning him to face her. "Let me."

Eric relented and lowered his hands, allowing Ariel to fix his jacket. Now that his hands were still, he could truly feel the nervous tremble in them. It reminded him of the time he drank one too many cups of Grimsby's personal tea blend. How the advisor managed to drink it three times a day and not suffer a heart attack was beyond Eric. It left him with the jitters for half a day, and the flavor was nothing to write home about either. He and Ariel said nothing as she continued with each of his buttons. He could tell she was just as nervous as he was. He saw shakes in her own hands. She kept chewing on her lower lip. And she was trying not to make eye contact with him. All things she did when something was troubling her mind.

"Are you ready?" Eric asked finally.

"Yeah," said Ariel. Then she shook her head. "Oh, who am I kidding? Look at me! No, I'm not ready! I'm not even dressed yet! There's no way I could be ready for this! I'm so worried I could barely eat this morning!"

"You and me both. I was up most of the night just thinking about what to say." Eric gave a short laugh and shook his head. "Took me twenty minutes just to put one shoe on."

"I know what you mean," said Ariel as she secured the last button. She ran her hands down his uniform, smoothing it out. She bit her lip as she fixed her gaze on a single button. "I've been staring at my dresses for the last hour trying to pick one. Stupid, I know. Me worrying about a dress when…"

Eric did not need Ariel to clarify further. He knew she was talking about Lara. After her confession and then violent panic attack in Melody's room, Lara was moved to a guest room to finish her recovery. Two guards were stationed outside her door at all times, and two more inside to keep watch. It was not so much for security as it was to make sure Lara did not try anything foolish. There was as much concern for her emotional wellbeing as her physical one.

That was almost two weeks ago. None of them had seen hair, wing, or scale of Lara since. She turned away all visitors, keeping the door locked and refusing to answer when they tried to talk with her. Not even Jenni was able to get her to open up. The only ones who saw her were the guards, the palace physician, and the maids who came to tidy up every other day. They had effectively become informants on Lara, everyone relying on them for updates on the woman. The news they brought was not cause for hope. Lara did little in her self-imposed isolation. She ate. She slept. She watched the ocean and sky through the window. She slept some more. And that was it. She did not even exercise, which was an almost daily ritual for her. She spoke only when asked the most basic questions. Are you hungry? Do you need clean clothes? Do you want something to read? Would you like a bath? Do you need anything else? Her answers were little more than single words. Any question beyond that was met with silence. Melody was especially upset by this, and with reason. She and Lara had grown immensely close before the marina assault. For Lara to suddenly shut her out must have been painful to say the least.

"I know," said Eric. "I'm worried about her, too."

Ariel sighed, running her hands back up to rest on her husband's chest. "Eric…what if this doesn't work?"

"It'll work," said Eric. He took Ariel's chin and gently lifted it, giving her a smile. "Trust me. Grims wouldn't have suggested this if he thought it wouldn't."

"But what if it doesn't? What if someone tries to hurt her during the trial? What if the council overrules you? What if Lara really does try to convict herself like Melody said? What if no one comes to her defense? And we still haven't heard anything from daddy or Attina. What if–?"

"What's this? Do I hear my little mermaid saying she's losing hope?"

"You know what I mean. I want this to go right as much as you do. But if it fails…" Eric felt Ariel's fingers curl into anxious fists as she looked down again. "I don't know what I'll do. I'm scared we're going to lose her, Eric. And Melody, too. Maybe not in the same way, but lose a part of her."

Eric sighed and wrapped Ariel up in a hug. "I don't know what I'll do either. And I don't want to lose Lara any more than you. But this is all we can do for her right now, so we have to try our best. If we don't, nothing will change."

"It's just…it's just not fair." Ariel leaned into his hug, snuggling her head under his chin. "Why did things have to turn out this way?"

"I wish I knew, Ariel" said Eric, hugging her a little tighter. "I really wish I knew."

Knock-knock-knock.

"Your majesties?" came Carlotta's voice from the door. "May I come in?"

Ariel separated from Eric. "Come in, Carlotta."

They heard the door open and close, and then Carlotta walked in a moment later. Her eyes widened when she saw Ariel. "Good gracious, your majesty! You're still not dressed!? The trial starts in two hours!"

"I know," said Ariel, wiping at her watery eyes. "I'm having a hard time getting dressed is all."

Carlotta smiled empathetically as she walked over to Ariel, patting her gently on the back. "It's a trying day for everyone, dearie. We're all a bit nervous." She moved her hand to her shoulder, leading Ariel back to the dressing room. "Now come along. We all need to look our best. Can't have you appearing before the people looking like you just rolled out of bed."

Ariel gave a small laugh. "No, I guess not."

"Carlotta?" called Eric after them.

The maid discharged Ariel to a trio of handmaidens before turning to him. "Yes, your majesty?"

"How's Melody?" asked Eric. "Is she ready yet?"

Carlotta frowned slightly, then drew a breath and sighed. "She's brushing her hair, sire…again."

"Figures." Eric sighed himself and ran a hand through his own hair. "She really is our daughter."


Two hours later and the cavernous throne room was absolutely packed with people. The crowd was so large not everyone had been able to come inside. There was still a large number of people filling the bailey, all clustered near windows where someone inside could provide commentary on the happenings of the trial. It was standing room only from the walls to the edge of the red carpet that ran down the middle aisle from the large main doors, both halves securely shut and secured by an immense wooden crossbeam. People were crowded in shoulder to shoulder. Guards lined the aisle, preventing people from intruding upon it. Nobility and aristocrats filled the second-floor balconies closest to the thrones, looking down on the activity below as the townsfolk filled in behind them. The members of the royal council were seated in cushioned chairs arranged in an arc at the head of the hall, the thrones for their rulers set on the dais at its center. Six additional seats flanked the thrones, allowing the visiting Atlantican royalty to spectate on what was about to happen. A wide space had been cleared in front of the dais, serving as the witness stand. There was a buzzing energy to the crowd, like a hive of bees preparing to take flight.

Suddenly a trio of trumpets sounded out, bringing the buzz to an end. Grimsby walked out from a door in the side of the room, dressed in his usual best. He went to the center of the dais and coughed into his hand, clearing his throat.

"Announcing their royal highnesses…!" he declared, his voice carrying loud and clear enough for people outside to hear him. "King Eric, Queen Ariel, and Princess Melody of Seahaven! And, attending from Atlantica on behalf of King Triton, their royal highnesses, the princesses Alana, Adella, Aquata, Arista, and Andrina!"

Anyone who was somehow sitting quickly stood as a round of polite applause broke out for the entering royalty. Eric was dressed in a white naval uniform with gold trim and a navy collar that matched his pants. White gloves covered his hands. His black knee-high boots were so finely polished people could see their reflections in them. A white sash ran across his chest, and a formal short sword was strapped to his belt. Ariel wore a purple off-the-shoulder gown with long flowing sleeves, her hair in an ornate bun to allow her crown to rest on her head. Melody wore a dress of white and salmon pink similar to her mother's, her own tiara resting atop her head. Her hair was tied behind her by a white bow. The Atlantican princesses followed behind them, all walking save Arista, who brought up the end in her wheelchair with a guard pushing her along. Aria was bundled up in her arms, fidgeting gently as she frowned at the clapping noise. The tips of Arista's fins poked out from the hem of her dress, the crimson scales glistening damp with seawater. She had been wetted down just before entering to keep her tail from drying out excessively during the trial. The princesses were all dressed in their finest, gowns matching their tail colors. The sight reinforced many people's belief that mermaids were creatures of great beauty. Though they all waved to the people and smiled politely, their anxiety was plain to see. Their faces were filled with it as they strode purposefully to their seats. Arista's wheelhcair was carried up the dais steps to a spot beside Andrina and carefully set down. One chair remained notably empty as the women sat. Attina was not present.

Eric did not take his throne, instead going to stand by Grimsby. The advisor bowed to him and then stepped back. Eric allowed the applause to continue a while longer before raising his hand. The response was immediate, the claps rapidly fading to silence.

"Thank you all for coming today," Eric said to the room, his eyes sweeping back and forth over the sea of faces as he spoke. "I'm sure I don't need to inform any of you of the recent events that shook our kingdom. Of the enemy that marched to our doorstep and viciously attacked us. Of the ice, fire, and monsters Maelstrom turned loose on us. Or of the people who perished in their heinous assault. Too many of us know someone who is no longer here because of it. Too many of us feel the sting of their sudden absence from our lives. For those of you mourning a loss, know that I and my family mourn with you. We are one people, and as one people we share in your joys and sorrows. Your friends are our friends. Your family is our family. Your loss is our loss. Our hearts break with yours."

Eric hid his hands behind his back, not wanting everyone to see how tightly his fists were clenched. "Therefore, before we begin, I ask you join us in a moment of silence to remember those who were taken. But don't remember their deaths. Remember their lives. Remember them as you knew them. Remember the happier times. Remember the days that brought smiles to your faces and warmth to your hearts. Remember the memories you cherish and let those shine a ray of light upon these dark times. And let us hope that, wherever our friends and family are now, they are at peace."

He closed his eyes as he bowed his head. Everyone else followed his example. He heard scattered hushed whispers, but also a fair number of sniffles and muted cries in the ensuing quiet. Eric felt an acute pain in his chest at the muffled sounds of grief. It was a reminder of the pain Maelstrom inflicted on his people. A pain he was more determined than ever to have them answer for. He let the silence go on for a full minute before he raised his head, drawing all attention back to him.

"However…" said Eric, his tone turning solemn. "Maelstrom's attack also brought another matter to our attention."

The shift in the crowd's energy was instantaneous, their collective sadness turning to uneasy anticipation. This was what they all gathered for. It was finally starting.

"I doubt there's anyone here who doesn't know of Lara Anclagon," continued Eric. "Or what she's done in her time here. She's fought men, monsters, and machines carrying out her duty as my daughter's guardian. But in this recent attack, we have been made aware of new information surrounding her. Some of you know of what I speak. I imagine many of you saw it for yourselves, whether in the marina or at the hospital."

A round of whispers went through the crowd, some confirming what they already knew while others asked what their king was speaking of. Eric easily silenced them with another raise of his hand. "What you do not know is that there's more to this than what you may have seen or heard. Much of which concerns Lara's life before she came to Seahaven. And what we've learned has raised questions that must be answered. That is the purpose of this trial. To determine not only the truth of Lara's past and present, but also what her path into the future should be."

Eric turned and nodded to Grimsby before walking back to his throne. The advisor nodded in return and stepped forward to take his place, a scroll clutched in his hand. Eric shifted in his throne as he sat. It had never been an especially comfortable chair. Today it felt even less so.

"Bring forth the accused!" ordered Grimsby.

"Here we go," whispered Eric. Ariel and Melody reached over and took his hands, squeezing them to let him know they shared both his hopes and his fears. Eric gave a brief smile to both of them in turn. Ariel's sisters glanced at them, all wringing their hands nervously in their laps.

A guard saluted to Grimsby from the side of the room. He went to a door opposite the one the royals entered through and knocked three times. The creak of the door seemed unusually loud as the throne room went absolutely silent. A pair of guards emerged holding lengths of heavy chain looped in their arms. Lara followed after them, heavy manacles secured around her wrists. She was dressed in a red breast wrap and faded black pants. She had foregone boots, her bare feet padding against the stone floor. Her goggles were gone. Her black tail swayed behind her, large wings folded in tightly. Her expression was depressive, staring unblinkingly ahead as she was led to the space at the bottom of the dais. Two more guards followed after her, each holding their own length of chain to the manacles. Then followed another pair of guards, both hefting heavy crossbows.

Murmurs and gasps went through the crowd as they beheld Lara. Several members of the council whispered to each other, undoubtedly voicing similar thoughts as the public. There was not a member of the royalty who did not find themselves clenching their hands or jaws tighter. None of them wanted the chains or archers. It made Lara look like a caught beast, which would make people think of her as one. But this was the only way the council would agree to having the trial made public. They would not allow the citizenry in without some sort of "protection" in place. Not that anyone who saw what happened in the marina thought it would make any difference. Lara sent Undertow flying with a single hit. What were chains and arrows supposed to do to her?

Andrina leaned over to Arista, cupping a hand to her mouth. "We still on for our bet?"

"Thirty shells. Let's just hope things get that far," whispered Arista. She paused for a moment then added, "Double or nothing?"

"You're o–ow!" Andrina winced as she clutched where Aquata elbowed her in the ribs.

"Really!?" hissed Aquata angrily if quietly through her teeth, scowling at both of her sisters. "You're really doing this now!?"

"Shh! Let us cope! And watch where you're swinging that thing!" said Andrina, rubbing what was sure to become a bruise. "What have you been doing!? Training with Lara!?"

"Keep it up and you'll find out!" Aquata turned away from her sisters, still scowling. "Honestly!"

Lara followed her escorts to the center of the room and then turned to face the dais. She stood alone before them all, the center of attention. The guards began unspooling the chains, allowing them to trail onto the ground with a metallic rattle. Then they wound the ends around two of the pillars lining the room. The chains were secured with large heavy locks, providing reassurance Lara could not escape easily. The archers went to each of the pillars to stand watch, crossbows loaded but not aimed at her.

Another guard approached Lara to inspect her restraints. He took Lara's hands and began examining the manacles. She did not look at him or offer any resistance. She did not look up at the royals. She did not look at anyone. She just kept staring straight ahead in a daze.

"Hey…hey!"

Lara startled slightly at the guard's hushed voice, finally looking at him. "Huh?"

The guard thrust a hand in front of her and opened it. Lara's eyes widened when she saw a key laying in his palm. It looked like the one to her manacles.

"Take it!" the guard whispered. "Quick!"

Lara looked up at him. "Why are you giving me that?"

"Look, I don't know what you did to wind up here!" said the guard hurriedly. "I wasn't at the marina or the hospital, and I don't know if I can believe what everyone's saying! But my brother was in the hospital when it blew up! He would've burned if it wasn't for you! So please, use this and get out of here! I owe you that much!"

Lara looked at the key again. That little piece of metal was all that stood between her and freedom. With it, she could slip the manacles and get out before anyone stopped her. She could bust through one of those windows and fly away. Honestly, she did not even need it. She could just melt the chains off her, provided she did not get turned into an arrow pincushion before then. From there, she could go wherever she wanted. North, south, east, west–no one would be able to stop her.

She started to reach for it, but then she stopped.

"Go on!" urged the guard. "Hurry!"

"Is there a problem?" asked Grimsby.

The guard flinched and then glanced back at Grimsby. Lara saw a bead of sweat run down his temple. "No problem, sir! Chains are twisted is all!" He looked back at Lara. "Come on! What're you waiting for!?"

Lara lowered her hands. "Thanks…but I can't."

The guard looked shocked by her refusal. "You have to! There's talk of executing you! That, or locking you up for the rest of your life! It's a death sentence either way!"

Lara shook her head. "I came to Seahaven because I was running away. I'm not running again. It's time for me to face the music, even if it's the last song I hear."

The guard swallowed nervously. "Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure?"

Lara nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure." She took the guard's hand and closed it over the key, pushing it away. "Besides, they'd probably do the same to you if they found out you let me go. Don't go risking your neck for mine. It's not worth it."

The guard looked at her for a moment, as though trying to fathom what thoughts would lead her to choose possible execution or life in a dungeon over all but assured freedom. Then he nodded reluctantly and stowed the key back in his sleeve and left. Lara watched him take his place with the other guards, and then she turned her attention to the royal family. It felt like years since she last saw them. They were all watching her. She could read them like books. They were anxious about what would happen here today, and sorry it came to this. Lara offered them a small if brief lopsided smile. She could not blame them for this. She was here by her own actions. She brought this on herself. They were just doing what the law required of them.

Grimsby unfurled the scroll. "Lara Anclagon, you stand here today accused of the following. Destruction of property. Endangerment of the public and crown. Dishonesty to the crown. Being a fugitive from justice. Kidnapping then Prince Triton of Atlantica. Assaulting King Triton of Atlantica. And the prime suspect in the murder of King Poseidon of Atlantica."

Another round of murmurs and whispers went through the crowd as they realized some of the rumors were true. Grimsby loudly cleared his throat again, bringing the mutterings to an end before continuing. "In accordance with the laws of Seahaven, you are to be tried on this day before their majesties, the royal court, and the citizenry of Seahaven. Here your innocence or guilt will be determined based on the evidence and testimony provided. After all testimony is given and their majesties and the council have completed their questioning, they will leave to deliberate over your sentence. If you are found innocent, you will be released immediately. If you are found guilty, your punishment shall be summarily announced by his majesty. Do you understand the charges against you?"

"Yeah, I do," said Lara.

"At this time, you are allowed to request legal counsel," added Grimsby. "Do you wish for it?"

"No. I'll speak for myself."

Grimsby lowered the scroll slightly. "Are you sure?"

Lara only nodded.

"Very well," said Grimsby as he rolled up the scroll. "The trial shall now commence." He turned and bowed to Eric, then walked back to stand by his throne.

Eric rose and strode to the end of the dais, looking down at Lara. She stared back at him, her face somehow apologetic, sad, angry, yet expressionless all at the same time. "Lara Anclagon, how do you plead to the charges?"

"Guilty," said Lara. A wave of chatter went through the crowd. Ariel and Melody drew sharp breaths, as did several of the princesses. The renewed whisperings of the council did nothing to ease their trepidation, either.

"Not the start we were hoping for," Ariel whispered to herself.

"Please clarify which charges," asked Eric.

"All of them," said Lara.

Eric's brow arched as more mutterings came from the crowd. He heard several of the council members still talking amongst themselves.

"All of them?" said Eric.

Lara nodded. "All of them."

Eric's brow furrowed as the murmurs amplified. He glanced back to Ariel and Melody. They both nodded for him to keep going, but the tightness in their hands as they gripped the arms of their thrones did not escape Eric. They feared Lara would do this, and she was proving those fears were founded. She was trying to convict herself right out of the gates, which effectively set the tone for the trial. This was not a good start at all.

Eric gestured to Grimsby. The advisor reached into his jacket and pulled out a folded paper, handing it to Eric before returning. The king lifted the paper up, revealing it to be Lara's wanted poster. "Are you the person shown on this wanted poster?"

Lara's jaw and fists clenched as she looked at the poster. "Yeah…that's me."

Eric turned the poster to himself. "But this calls you Kaida Blackjaw. That's not your actual name, is it? It's definitely not one you've used with us."

"No. That's the name I used while I…" Lara paused, licking her lips. "While I was a bounty hunter in the eastern kingdoms. Or huntress, as they called it."

There were more murmurs. Everyone could feel the growing tension in the hall. Bounty hunting was not well looked upon in Seahaven. It was another blow to Lara's image.

"This poster calls you an enemy of humanity," said Eric. "It also claims you've committed, and I quote, 'crimes innumerable, including theft, assault, trespassing, kidnapping, arson, treason, assassination, murder, heresy, witchcraft, and the holocaust of the kingdom of Lao Xan.'" He lowered the paper and looked back at Lara. "Are these all from one kingdom?"

"No," said Lara. "They're from multiple ones."

"How many?"

"I don't know. Two dozen, give or take. Some weren't even from kingdoms."

Eric looked at the poster again. "That's a very serious list of charges to place on one person."

"I did a lot of seriously bad things," said Lara.

"While bounty hunting in said kingdoms, I assume?" said Eric.

Lara scowled at Eric, her chains rustling as she shifted. The archers raised their crossbows ever so slightly at the noise, but then lowered them again when they saw she was not taking any further action.

"If you're implying my being a huntress somehow excuses those crimes, that's bull and you know it," said Lara sharply, her voice tinged with anger.

"True. Occupation doesn't excuse you of these charges. But you said it yourself–in the east, a bounty hunter can be a hero in one kingdom and a criminal in another." Eric raised the poster again. "These charges are because of what you did while acting as a bounty hunter. So, depending on who made the charge and why, wouldn't it be fair to say there's a certain amount of bias in them?"

Lara narrowed her eyes at him. "Doesn't matter how much 'bias' is in any of it. I committed every crime on that paper."

Eric frowned. "You're not making a good case for yourself, Lara. I'd even say you're being deliberate about it."

"There isn't a good case to make, Eric," said Lara. "I told you what happened. And why."

"But you haven't told them what happened," said Eric, nodding to the crowd. "Or the council. And I think that, if we're going to get any answers today, or make any decisions about your guilt or innocence, everyone need to know your story. Your full story. So…"

Eric went back to his throne and sat down. "Tell us your side of things, Lara. From the beginning."

"And what beginning would that be?" asked Lara.

"The very beginning," said Eric.

The voices of the crowd rose again as Lara stared at Eric. For a moment Eric thought she might refuse, going by the hard expression on her face and the twitch in her tail like an irate cat. Then she shook her head.

"That far back, huh?" She drew a breath and sighed. "Fine. I'll take it from the top, then. I was born in a small fishing village…"


It took the better part of two hours for Lara to tell her story in full. How her mother was slain by the pirate captain Sable, who now served under the name Remora in Maelstrom's highest ranks. How she suffered four years of abuse and torment at the hand of her and her crew before she single-handedly brought about their demise. How she was miraculously found on the shores of the mythical island Arcania by Bel'al, one of the legendary first dragons. How he saved her life by turning her into the first and only human-dragon hybrid, and then became her adoptive father. How he raised her by himself, teaching her the arts of fighting, swords, and magic. How she discovered he ransomed Triton for the trident, and their argument that led her to abandon home. How she returned to find him fighting Poseidon, her attempted assistance leading to her father's defeat. How she slew the merking to avenge his death. How she awoke in the eastern kingdoms, alone, lost, and with no memory of how she got there. How she turned to bounty hunting in order to survive, hoping it would give her the answers she needed to return home. How the years of fruitless searching turned her into a hardened and angry huntress feared throughout the eastern kingdoms. How she became Princess Yumino's guardian, and how the woman turned her away from the darkness she had become consumed by. How Yumino was abruptly and tragically killed, and the unstoppable rage that overcame Lara from yet another heartbreaking loss. How she grieved and then fled the eastern kingdoms, seeking somewhere to make amends for what she had done. Then she recounted all that happened since she first came to Seahaven, right up to the moment she revealed the truth of Lao Xan to the royal family.

There were plenty of questions asked as Lara revealed her history. Most came from Eric, but Ariel, Melody, the princesses, and the council had inquiries of their own to add. Lara answered all of them frankly. None of her answers painted an endearing picture. The crowd hung onto each and every word, their continual whispers and occasional gasps of alarm betraying their feelings as Lara's tale unfolded. The parts about her father and the eastern kingdoms seemed especially distressing to them. Somehow Lara made it through without suffering another flashback, although the royals saw several instances where she came close.

"That's it," said Lara finally. "That's all there is to tell. Unless you want me to recount how I sat around waiting for this trial."

Eric leaned back in his throne, fingers interlaced in thought as he looked at Lara. Then he stood up and walked to the edge of the dais again. He did not say anything. He just looked down at her as he considered his next move.

"Not a happily-ever-after story, is it?" said Lara.

"I agree with you there," said Eric. "You've endured more in your short time than most people do in their entire lifespan."

"Short time?" Lara snorted. "I know I look twenty-something, but I'm probably older than you, Ariel, and Mel put together! I mean, I slept for a good chunk of it, but still!"

Melody looked to the main doors, and then glanced along both sides of the hall. She was looking for any familiar faces, but she saw none of them among the crowd. They were the faces that needed to make an appearance today, and with a very specific message. Without them, Lara's fate could take a serious turn in a very serious direction.

"Where are they?" she whispered to herself. "Lara needs you."

"I have another question for you, Lara," said Eric, unaware of Melody's musings behind him. "Do you feel any regret for the things you did as a bounty hunter?"

Lara's face turned stern. Her hands clenched and unclenched repeatedly as she looked away from Eric, the agitated twitch returning to her tail. Her air said much, but she remained silent.

"Well?" pressed Eric. "Do you?"

Lara refused to look at him. "Doesn't matter if I regret it or not. It won't change what I did."

"That's not an answer, Lara," said Eric. "Do you regret what you did or not?"

Lara glanced up at Eric, only to look away again. Still she gave no answer.

"Then I'll ask you this, instead," said Eric. "Why did you do it? If you had doubts about what you were doing, why continue?"

"Because I wanted revenge," Lara said. The whisperings of the crowd returned as Lara continued talking. "I burned the Charybdis because I wanted revenge for my mom and the pain they caused me. I killed Poseidon because I wanted revenge for my dad. I kept being a huntress because I wanted revenge against my targets for everything they'd done to their victims. And I annihilated Lao Xan because I wanted revenge for Yumino."

The whispers grew in volume to a murmur, hundreds of hushed voices all trying to talk at the same time. Lara looked back at Eric. He saw clear anger and even hatred in her eyes. But it was not directed at him or anyone in her sight. It was directed at herself for ever wanting such a thing as revenge.

"That's not true!" Melody suddenly blurted out, standing up from her throne. The murmurs ceased as everyone's eyes turned to her. "That's not true and you know it, Lara!"

"Melody, wait!" said Ariel, grabbing Melody's hand as she tried to march out to her father.

Melody spun around to face her. "But she–!"

"I know," said Ariel. "Just let your father talk. Please. Shouting is not going to help Lara."

Melody looked back at Lara for a second, their eyes briefly meeting. She saw the same anger and self-loathing that Eric did. Yet she also saw a pleading in them, begging Melody not to intervene. Not because she wanted Melody to stay out of trouble, but because she was not worthy of her efforts. Melody looked at Lara a moment longer, and then she slowly if reluctantly took her seat again.

Eric looked back to Lara. "I agree with Melody, Lara. Not everything you've done was for revenge. Maybe some, but not all. You didn't become a bounty hunter so you could hunt people for sport. You did it because you were desperate to find a way home, and you needed money to do that. But given your magic and your…other features, no one would offer you an honest means to get that money. And you felt a certain obligation to do so because the people couldn't rely on the justice systems in those kingdoms. Am I wrong?"

"Yeah…but it's not why I kept doing it," said Lara.

"Lara…" said Eric, his tone cautioning her against what he feared she was about to say.

"You're right I started being a huntress for the money, and so I could find home," continued Lara. "And I wanted to get some bit of justice for all those victims my targets created. But somewhere down the road it became less about getting home or justice and more about the hunt. I kept being a huntress because I wanted to–not because I needed to. And I wanted to because I was angry. Angry I'd lost my father. That I'd lost my home. That'd I'd lost everything and everyone I cared about a second time and had to survive in that…that nightmare of a place. That I was in a world full of evil that went completely unpunished. And I let that anger drive me. It made me strong. It made me focused. It made me the best. But it…it let me do things I shouldn't have. Made me blur what was right and wrong. The fact I was doing it to 'wanted criminals' just made it easier."

"I'll ask you again," said Eric. "Do you regret what you did as a bounty hunter?"

Lara gave a huff and shook her head. Then she looked up at Eric. "I wasn't a bounty hunter, Eric. I was a huntress. I was a killer who made money off it. I burned people. I cut them down. I beat them to death. I've taken more lives than you could fathom. I killed hundreds who deserved worse than death."

Lara paused a moment as the crowd kept whispering among themselves. "But I also killed too many who deserved to live. Far, far too many."

She looked down at her feet, her tail curling around them. "Do I regret what I did as a huntress? Not all of it. I put some properly vile people in the ground. That, or turned them to smoke and ash. I don't lose a wink of sleep over them, even now. But there's not a day that goes by I don't think of the innocents I killed along the way. There's no task or prison sentence or payment I can do to make up for those deaths. It'd never get them any real justice."

"Is that why you tried to sacrifice yourself at the hospital?" asked Eric. "Because you felt that was the only way they could get the justice they deserve?"

"Yeah," said Lara. "Part of why, at least."

"What was the other part?"

Lara looked up at Eric. "What do you think? That fire was gonna kill everyone in there! I had to do something!"

"Because you thought saving them would lessen your guilt?" asked Eric, his tone much more interrogational than before.

Lara blinked in bewilderment at his question. "What!? No!"

"Did you think fighting Maelstrom and then stopping the fire would balance your scales the other way, so to speak?" pressed Eric.

"No!" Lara said firmly. "That's not it!"

"Is it?" asked Eric, folding his arms over his chest. "You've made a rather determined effort to protect people's lives since you came here. You also said your goal was to make amends. It's why you fought Richard Avitas and agreed to protect my daughter, isn't it? And why you fought those pirates and that seaclops by yourself, and then that machine in Glowerhaven? Or was it so you could take that much more of the burden off your conscience?"

"Shut up, Eric!" Lara growled, her hair starting to bristle.

"Did you believe you're canceling out the lives you took with the ones you saved? That doing so would bring you that much closer to erasing your guilt?"

"That is not true!" Lara shouted back. The archers tensed again at her outburst, lifting their crossbows a hair. "You can't just replace a wrong with a right and call it even! It's not a blasted math problem! That's not how it works!"

"Then why do any of it?" asked Eric. "Why try to protect anyone if it won't make you any more innocent? Why bother putting yourself in danger if you won't get anything from it? Is that the real reason you didn't want to be Melody's guardian? Because you didn't think protecting her would take enough of your guilt away?"

"I didn't want to protect her because I didn't want to become Kaida again!"

Lara's yell was followed by utter silence from the hall, the nearest members of the onlookers stepping back from her. She glared angrily up at Eric, her eyes flickering with light. There was a palpable heat coming off her now, causing a bead of sweat to form on the back of Eric's neck.

"You think you understand what I did!?" Lara yelled at him. "You think you get how monstrous I was!? How much I hate myself for the things I did!? Just because of what I told you in that room!? Because you saw one bad flashback!? You have no idea! You don't understand anything! Any of you! You could sail ships on all the blood I've spilled! You'd go deaf if you heard the screams I've caused!"

She squeezed her eyes shut, clapping her hands to her ears. "I can hear them right now! Just screaming again and again and again in my head! Reminding me every time I hold my sword, or use my magic, or even make a fist of how many times I killed someone without any hesitation at all! That there's this furious, cruel, vengeful monster of a huntress hiding in me, and all it takes is one slip-up for it to come out! Just like it did with Richard! With the pirates! With Remora! With Morgana! It even happened with Melody! And I let it happen! I let it take over and control me, just like it did in the east! And I hate myself for it! I hate that this thing is still lurking inside me, and I'm too weak to stamp it out or even keep it caged! I'm terrified that the more I fight, and the more I kill, even if it's because I'm trying to protect someone, then it'll become that much easier for it to take over! Until one day I'll slip too far, and then I'll go back to being Demon Kaida again! Or worse, that abomination that almost blew up Seahaven!"

Lara opened her eyes, looking back at Eric. He could see hot tears running down her face, thin rivulets of steam rising off them. "But as much as I hate myself for that, and for all the people I killed, I hate myself even more for the people I didn't even try to save! There wasn't a day I didn't see someone who needed help! Slaves, beggars, orphans, cripples–the list goes on and on! And I turned my back on all of them! I just let them suffer and die because all I cared about was getting home! And then all I cared about was beating the life out of the next target Gin gave me, and anyone who got in my way! I could've helped them! I could've saved them! But I didn't! I might as well have killed them myself! That's why I said I'd protect Melody! That's why I helped Sarah and the kids! And that's why I've kept fighting protect the rest of you, even though I'm always afraid the next fight is gonna push me past the point of no return! Because if I did nothing when I could've done something, then I'd feel like it'd be no different than if I murdered you with my own hands! And I've already done that too many times to ever be forgiven!"

Eric looked down at Lara, not breaking her gaze. She returned it with the same intensity, her chest heaving as she panted from her rant. They remained like that for several long, tense seconds, neither saying anything. Everyone watched silently, waiting for one of them to break the stillness.

"Tell me one more thing, Lara," said Eric finally. "I think you've made it clear you regret what you did as a bounty hunter. But do you have the same regret for killing Poseidon?"

Lara's jaw tightened as she grit her teeth, the muscles in her arms standing out as she clenched her hands. "No."

The crowd's mutterings returned at Lara's answer. They all heard the anger in her voice. Melody looked to her mother and aunts, reading the same concern and worry on their faces at Lara's response. Eric managed to keep his own concern from showing, but the stiffness that appeared in his shoulders and jaw betrayed it to anyone close enough. That was the completely wrong answer to give. Showing contrition went a long way in Seahaven's courts. As did the total absence of it.

"And yes," Lara added.

The focus of the room returned to Lara in an instant. Her jaw and arms relaxed as she took a deep breath and sighed. "I remember how it felt. Seeing my dad get dragged under the ocean by Poseidon's spell. Don't know how I ever forgot it. It was like watching my mom die all over again. And when he was gone, and I saw Poseidon acting all triumphant…it made me angry. Enraged. He stole my dad from me, and he was just floating there like he'd won some stupid contest. I didn't want him to get away with it. It wasn't right what my dad did to Triton, ransoming him like that for some magic fork. But he didn't deserve to die for it. So no, I don't regret killing Poseidon. I didn't regret it then, and I don't regret it now. But…"

Lara looked up at Ariel and her sisters. "If there's one thing I've learned from you all, it's that revenge is an empty victory. I wanted it, and I got it. I killed Poseidon with my own hands. But my dad's still gone. Killing Poseidon didn't give him back to me. It didn't give me anything. All it did was take away Triton's dad. And…" She paused to swallow, wetting her throat. "I can imagine what that did to him. I remember how I felt after seeing my mom and then my dad get murdered. It felt like an empty hole swallowed my heart, and then anger and hatred filled it back in. I bet that's what Triton felt after I killed his father. And I bet that's what he still felt when he saw me again."

Her gaze shifted back to Eric. "Do I regret killing the merman who murdered my dad? No, I don't. But I do regret taking Triton's father away from him. And that I couldn't do more for him before it came to that. Maybe if I'd tried harder to get him home instead of throwing a fit and flying off, we'd both still have our parents. Instead we both wound up orphans. In the end, his dad's death is one more sin I have to answer for. And another one I can't make right."

Eric looked back at Ariel and Melody. They both looked tense, but they gave him a nod. Then Eric looked to Grimsby and the council members, and they gave the same nod. There were no further questions to be asked. They had their answers, and the public heard them, too. Now they had to decide if she was innocent or guilty.

Eric looked back to Lara. "Do you have anything else to say? Anything else you want to add?"

"Is this the part where I'm supposed to plead my innocence?" asked Lara. "Or ask for mercy?"

"If that's what you want."

Lara gave a short laugh and shook her head. "Wouldn't matter if I did."

"That's…" Eric started to speak, but then stopped himself. He drew a breath and straightened up. "Then I'll consider your testimony concluded. We'll leave to discuss your sentence and any punishment. You'll wait here till we return. Hopefully this won't take too long."

"Oh, take all the time you need," said Lara as she sat cross-legged on the floor, nodding to the archers flanking her. "Not like I'm going anywhere. Especially with Mister Bow, Misses Arrow, and their kids Lock and Chain to keep me company."

Eric suppressed the amused grin that tugged on the corner of his lips. At least Lara still had her sense of humor, for what little it was worth with chains on her wrists and a pair of guards ready to shoot arrows into her. He turned, seeing the council rise and begin filing out of the room. He walked over to Melody and Ariel as the mermaid princesses followed the council, Alana seeing to Arista's wheelchair once she was off the dais. The royals followed them out of the room, Eric closing the door behind them. The princesses hung back as the council walked off to the meeting hall. Both groups clearly wanted to talk in private before the process of sentencing Lara began.

"So…did that go good or bad?" asked Adella.

"I hate to say it, but my gut's telling me the latter," said Aquata.

"It could've been better…" admitted Ariel. "A lot better."

"Agreed, your majesty," said Grimsby. "That was 'turbulent' to say the least."

Melody sighed. "I knew she had some self-resentment after what she told us about Lao Xan and Yumino. But I didn't think she'd be so determined to get herself convicted."

"None of us did, Melody," said Alana, resting a hand on her niece's shoulder.

"She's practically tying the hangman's knot herself," said Eric, regretting his word choice at the alarmed and angry female faces glaring at him a second alter. "Metaphorically speaking!"

"Any idea how the council might vote, Grims?" asked Melody.

"From what little I've overheard, it seems the members are split in three, princess," said Grimsby. "One third see Miss Anclagon's remorse and her deeds in Seahaven as worthy of mercy. The other third consider her too dangerous to keep here, or her suspected crimes too severe to excuse. That she does not fully regret murdering Poseidon does not help her standing with them."

"And the last third?"

"Remain undecided. That being said, I sense Miss Anclagon's testimony did not garner much support for her, either from the crowd or the council. Nor did her outburst at his majesty's questioning." Grimsby looked at Eric. "Which, if I may be so blunt, sire, backfired completely."

"You didn't have to push her that hard, dad," said Melody.

"I didn't want to, Melody," said Eric. "But it had to get out in the open. At the very least, we now know why she was so against guarding you. And why she didn't quit. Anyone heard anything about Attina?"

"I just asked one of the guards," said Ariel. "There's no sign of her."

Eric frowned and sighed in frustration, rubbing his eyes. "Great…"

"She'll make it," said Arista. "Attina's not one to break a commitment."

"She better not," said Ariel. "If things continue like this, she might be Lara's last hope."


An hour had never passed so slowly for Lara. The seconds dragged on at a snail's pace, and not one of the oceanic varieties. She kept changing positions on the floor. First, she sat cross-legged. Then she sat with her knees tucked in. Then she sat on her knees. Then she sprawled out on the floor. She could not find a comfortable position to rest in, so she finally settled for standing.

The entire time she heard the crowd muttering and whispering behind her back. It was hard to pick out a single conversation from the multitude of voices, but she heard enough. She definitely was not as popular with the townsfolk as before. They no longer saw her as a friend, much less a human. Not after she laid out her life's story so plainly. She was terrifying to them now, and for multiple reasons. Because of her new form. Because of the power she displayed against Maelstrom. And because of her blood-soaked past.

She sighed sadly, shoulders rising and then sagging. She fully expected this would happen if she ever revealed her true nature and history to these people. She should not have been surprised they were reacting just like everyone in the eastern kingdoms, albeit without torches, pitchforks, or guns. She just did not expect it to sting her heart so much. Or for the rocks they threw at the hospital to hurt so sharply. She thought she would have tougher skin after dealing with this sort of prejudice for five years. Maybe living in Seahaven for so long softened up her hide and her heart more than she realized?

She looked at the thrones and the empty chairs fanning out from them. Lara knew this trial was basically for show. There was nothing Eric, Ariel, Melody, or anyone on that council could or would do for her. Nor should they, in her opinion. There was no real substance to accusing her of property damage, or endangering Seahaven's people or the royal family. Those were expected hazards in her line of work. The other charges, however, did have substance. And real consequence. She lied to the king and queen by hiding the truth from them. She attacked King Triton out of spite–no, she tried to kill him. She had every intention of taking his head off when she saw him in the marina. He really did look like his father, minus the white glow and the horn nubs on his head. Where did those come from, anyway?

She was no suspect in Poseidon's regicide. She was the perpetrator. She admitted to it openly, first in private and now in public. That could not be overlooked, no matter what. This deliberation Eric talked about was basically him and the council deciding how best to announce her guilt, and what to do with her after she was convicted. She would be lucky if they locked her in the dungeons for the rest of her life. More than likely, she would be executed. It might have been outlawed in Seahaven, but they would need to make an exception for a king-killer.

And she was fine with that. Not with death, per se. After two close calls in a single day, Lara would settle for never coming so close to the far side of the Otherworld ever again if given the choice. But she had no qualms about Triton getting revenge for his father, even if it came under the guise of justice. There were countless people in the eastern kingdoms who would line up for miles just for a chance to kill her. They would probably throw a continent-wide party if they learned she was to be executed. After all, the death of an "enemy of humanity" was an international reason for celebration.

Finally, the door opened again. Eric, Ariel, Melody, Grimsby, and the princesses returned. Aria was asleep in Arista's arms as Andrina wheeled her in before allowing the guards to lift her up the stairs. There was a solemn air to everyone's faces. Things clearly had not gone the way they wanted. Not that Lara expected any different. The council followed after them, their own expressions no less serious. Lara thought some of them even looked pleased. What a shocker.

Eric remained standing before his throne as everyone took their seats. Then he strode to the edge of the dais. He turned his face back to the door, as if he was expecting someone to walk through at any moment.

"So…what's it gonna be?" asked Lara.

Eric looked down at Lara. There was a sad resignation to his eyes. "Grimsby?"

"Yes sire?" said the advisor.

"Bring me the gavel."

The crowd began their whisperings and murmurs once more as Grimsby approached a guard holding a carved wooden box. He opened the lid and reached in, pulling out a polished mahogany gavel and block, gold leaf set into the handle and base. He brought them to Eric, offering the gavel to him first and then laying the block in Eric's other hand. Then he returned to the thrones, standing between Ariel and Melody.

"Lara Anclagon," said Eric, speaking for all to hear him. "For the crime of dishonesty to the crown, you are found guilty."

Lara saw Ariel, Melody, and most of the princesses flinch as Eric brough the gavel down on the block. The sharp clack echoed through the room with absolute finality, as if someone were hammering in the nails to a coffin lid. Lara honestly felt as though that was what Eric was doing.

"For the crime of assaulting King Triton of Atlantica," continued Eric. "You are found guilty. For the crime of being a fugitive of justice, you are found guilty."

Melody and Ariel's hands tightened, both staring hard at Lara. She could see the apology in their expressions. She knew this was not what they wanted. The never wanted things to end this way. All Lara could offer was a small smile, hopefully telling them this was not their fault and she did not blame them in any way for any of this.

"For the crime of the murder of King Poseidon of Atlantica…" Eric paused and drew a breath. "You are found guilty."

Lara hung her head, eyes closing heavily as the gavel sounded once more. That was it. None of the other sentences mattered. That final strike marked the start of her end. Now she waited for the punishment. Whatever it was, she would take it, whether it led her back into the dungeons or to a more immediate death. She had this coming for a long, long time. She tried to outrun it by fleeing to the west, but the past caught up with her. Not even the vast stretches of the Devil's Steppe were enough to keep it from finding her. Now she would face the judgement she tried to evade for so long. The innocents she killed would finally have their justice.

At the very least, she might get a glimpse of her mother and father again if they executed her. Maybe Yumino, if she was very lucky.

"Sorry, Yumi," whispered Lara. "But I can't keep that promise."

Eric slowly raised the gavel. "For the crime of–."

"Leave Lara alone!"

"Jenni, wait!"

Lara whipped her head up and spun around at the sound of small feet running towards her and a gasp from the crowd. Moments later Jenni ran around front of Lara, spreading her arms protectively wide.

"Don't you hurt her!" Jenni screamed defiantly at Eric. Large tears and globs of snot were running down her face and onto her green dress as she cried, her entire body shaking with anger. "Lara's not a bad guy! She's good! She's a hero! She's your friend! You can't do this to her!"

Lara stared down at the girl in utter shock. "Jenni!? What are you doing!? Why are you even here!?"

Suddenly Jenni ran at Eric. Lara lunged forward to try and catch her, but the chains held her back. Her tail snaked around to snag her, but she was just out of reach. She pulled hard against them, but they were too strong. "Jenni, stop! Get back!"

"Jenni!" exclaimed Ariel as she and Melody started to get up, only for Grimsby to place a hand on their shoulders to keep them seated.

"Grims!?" exclaimed Melody, fighting against him. Somehow he was able to hold them down with just that grip. Was he always this strong? "What are you–!?"

"Wait, your majesties!" whispered Grimsby. "Just wait a moment!"

Jenni ignored Lara's pleas and ran right up to Eric, where she proceeded to hammer ineffectually on his thighs with her small fists. "Let Lara go! Let her go right now!"

"The council has ruled," said Eric, trying to keep his voice even as Jenni kept beating on his legs. "I don't have a choice."

"Yes you do!" Jenni screamed at him. "You're the king! You can let her go! You have to let her go! If you don't, you're…you're…you're nothing but a big meanie!"

"Someone restrain that child!" shouted Grimsby, still keeping his hand on the queen and princess. At once a pair of guards ran up and grabbed Jenni's arms, pulling her away from Eric.

"No!" shrieked Jenni, flailing against their hold like a rabid animal. "Let her go! Let Lara go!"

"Quit squirming, kid!" said one of the guards. He tightened his hold on her arm, causing Jenni to scream. It was more frustration and fear than pain, but it did not sound that way to Lara. Her magic spiked instantly, her eyes and hair glowing as a brief wind radiated off her. The archers tensed instantly, seeing the change in her.

"Let go of her!" Lara snarled, rushing to the end of her chains. They snapped taught as she fought against them hard as she could. Her bare feet slid against the carpeted floor as she hollered, causing the fabric to tear. The chains groaned as they struggled to hold her, chips of stone flaking off the pillars they were attached to. One of the links began to crack. The crowd retreated back, alarmed and frightened by her burst of strength and fury. The archers aimed at Lara for real now, afraid she might actually break her restraints. Lara paid them all no heed, determined to get to Jenni.

Grimsby removed his hand from Ariel. "Now! Hurry!"

Ariel immediately ran out of her seat to the guards as they began taking Jenni away. "Give her here!"

"But your majesty–!" the guards started to protest.

"That wasn't a request!" said Ariel forcefully as she took Jenni's hand. The guards looked at her a moment, and then hesitantly released her. Jenni started to run to Lara again, but Ariel pulled her in and hugged her tight.

"It's all right, Jenni!" Ariel said soothingly. "It'll be all right!"

"Don't hurt her!" Jenni pleaded, her crying starting again. "Please don't hurt Lara! Please!"

"We won't!" said Ariel. "I promise you I won't let anything happen to her!"

Lara stopped her struggling when she saw Jenni stop struggling and lean into Ariel's hug, crying as the queen lifted her up. Hollow as Ariel's promise was, at least she got Jenni to calm down. The archers kept their arrows trained on her a while longer, waiting for any sign she would try to break her restraints further. When she did not, they slowly lowered their weapons.

"That's a start," Eric said to himself, breathing a sigh of relief as he watched Ariel carry the little girl back to the throne, setting her down on her lap to watch. Grimsby offered a kerchief to Ariel, who began using it to wipe the tears and snot off her face. Then Eric turned back to the crowd. "Does anyone else have something to say before I proceed?"

"Ye bet yer spit-polished royal boots I do!" shouted a gruff and heavily accented voice from the crowd.

Lara spun around again, seeing people in the middle of the crowd being shoved roughly apart. That sounded like…!

"Get outta me way, all o' ye!" shouted the voice again.

A guard ran into the crowd towards the disturbance. "Sir, you can't–!"

WHAP!

"Yeow!" The guard recoiled back, falling into the isle clutching his face.

"I said move, ye scab-riddled cotswald!"

Lara's suspicions proved correct when none other than John shove his way into the aisle, dirty apron tied round his waist and a damp dishcloth in one hand. He stomped past the guard he apparently rat-tailed in the face. Another guard tried to seize him, only to get the same treatment. The snap was like a bullwhip, sending the man reeling back clutching his nose.

"John!?" exclaimed Lara in confusion. "You're here too!?"

"Restrain him!" shouted one of the guards. His comrades quickly joined him to encircle the aged bartender.

"Come on, then!" barked John, twisting the dishrag into a whip. "I got more than enough fer all o' ye!"

"Wait!" shouted Eric as the guards closed in on John. "Let him come!"

The guards froze, turning in astonishment to their king. "Huh!? But your highness, he's–!"

John cut them off when he all but knocked them aside to continue his march up the aisle.

"John, what are you doing!?" asked Lara.

John went right up to Lara, flipping his dishcloth onto one shoulder and then reaching up to ruffle her hair with a weathered hand. "Ye think I'm just gonna stand there an' let me best bartender get strung up like a fish in th' market!? An' right after that little bairn done come up an' made her complaints!? Not a bloody chance!"

He smiled under his beard and winked at her. "Ye just cool off there fer a second, Lara! Let yer old boss handle this lot!"

"And you are?" asked Eric as John walked past Lara to the bottom of the dais. He had not had the "pleasure" of visiting the Mermaid's Trove, or meeting its unforgettable owner.

"Th' name's John Douglas Kelley!" said John, thrusting his chest out as he folded his gray-haired arms together. "An' long as I got yer many majesties' attention, I got more 'n a few words t' say afore ye go smackin' that toy hammer o' yers again! Now I don't know half o' ye half as well as I should! But by th' looks o' things, I be bettin' I know Lara better than th' lot o' ye put together! An' fer longer, too! First door she walked through in Seahaven was th' one t' me establishment! We was haulin' rope an' swappin' boots behind th' bar a full seven weeks afore ye even laid eyes on her!"

Adella leaned out of her chair to look at Ariel. "Swapping…boots?"

"He means they worked closely together," said Ariel. "At least, I think that's what he means?"

"All th' time I known Lara, I ne'er heard no complaints outta anyone 'bout her, much less anythin' 'bout eastern kingdoms or bounty huntin' or King Poseidon!" continued John. "And frankly, I don't give two shakes o' a sail 'bout any o' it, either! Aye, the lass did bad things! Real bad from th' sounds o' it! But she ain't some heartless thug who don't got a tear t' shed fer th' dead! And she done nothin' but right since she set foot in this 'ere kingdom! I seen it meself! Ye don't do what she did fer Sarah an' them kids without a proper heart o' gold! She didn't have t' fight in that tournament! Told me time an' again she didn't want to! Would've rather hung up her blades an' lived peacefully! But she did it anyway, an' more! Not fer th' money, but t' keep that swindlin' bastard Avitas from puttin' his grimy claws on 'em or any o' us ever again– may the flies an' vultures turn their noses at that two-timin' blighter's rottin' carcass!"

John's eyes swept over the princesses. "And I been hearin' nothin' but 'ow she be savin' yer shimmerin' scaly hides every other day o' th' week since she gone t' live in yer palace! Especially that little babe there! I'd expect ye t' keep her in better graces than this sorry state! Instead, ye got her chained up like a guard dog!"

He turned around to the crowd, his face red with righteous indignation. "And don't think I be overlookin' th' lot o' ye! I got more than a piece o' me mind t' give ye, too! I see plenty 'ere who suffered under Avitas! I'd start callin' ye all out by name if I didn't think we'd be 'ere till winter doin' it! Ye seem real keen on forgettin' th' reason that so-called 'Lord' ain't guttin' yer purses an' pride anymore, and she's right 'ere in front of ye! And ye 'ave th' gall t' just stand there, silent as a sack o' scared sea slugs, while th' lass's neck is on th' line!? Or callin' her a demon an' hurlin' rocks when she be tryin' t' save yer hides again!? An' because o' what!? A pair o' wings, a tail, an' some fancy fire-spittin'!?"

John angrily ripped the dish cloth off his shoulder and threw it on the ground. "Shame on ye! Shame on all o' ye! I curse th' day I ever laid eyes on ye! Ye owe Lara more than ye could ever repay, an' ye bloody well know it! If it wasn't fer her, we'd all still be qualin' under Avitas' iron thumb! That or dead from them witches an' their black magic! An' don't think I didn't hear too many o' ye blamin' her fer that blue blaze at th' hospital! I was there! I saw what happened! She didn't start no fire! Puttin' the cursed thing out t' save ye useless idiots be all she did, an' almost died doin' it! An' after all that–all she's risked an' done fer ye–ye're just gonna watch an' keep yer mouths shut!?"

He snatched his dishcloth off the floor. "Fine! Do as ye like! But I promise ye this–I'll be rememberin' each an' every one o' yer faces I don't see comin' up 'ere in th' next minute! An' I won't have 'em in th' Trove ever again, much less count ye among me friends! Because if ye can't show some backbone an' stand by someone who risked her life fer ye, then ye don't deserve t' stand by o' much less in front o' me or her!" John snorted loudly and then spat contemptuously on the floor. "Lily-livered codfish! Every last one o' ye!"

John spun back to Eric, his eyes narrowing as he wagged a finger at him. "And that goes fer ye as well, yer so-called 'ighnesses! Ye owe her as much as th' rest o' us! Only reason ye still have a kingdom or a family is because o' her! So mark me words! I may not be th' smartest, or wisest, or bravest, or most learned man in this kingdom, an' I'll be th' first t' admit it! But I can tell a good drink from a bad one a mile away just by th' color! An' Lara's no bad drink! Ain't a clot, curdle, o' blemish t' her colors! Aye, she's got things she needs t' answer for, an' good on her fer wantin' t' instead o' hidin' away! But th' lil' lassie on yer lady's lap be right! Lara be nothin' short o' a good woman if I ever saw one! Ye won't find a better bartender or swordsman or friend anywhere on th' western shores! And if ye're too blinded by yer fear t' see th' lass deserves a second chance, then ye're no king or queen o' mine! An' one more thing!"

Lara stared slack-jawed and wide eyed at John as he walked back and stood beside her, clapping a hand on her shoulder. "Ye dare send this girl t' th' noose, th' choppin' block, or any other end, then ye better be prepared t' kill me t' do it! 'Cause I'll march meself t' th' Pit afore I let ye put so much as a sewin' thread or a butter knife near her neck! Ye hear me!?"

Lara wanted to say something to John, but all she could do was move her mouth wordlessly. Her voice was stuck behind the lump in her throat. Was the man insane? He just openly castigated Eric and Ariel in front of their people and the council, renounced his allegiance to them, and then basically said he would rather die than let them execute her! Did he not hear a word she said in her testimony? Why was he sticking his neck out for her?

"He's right!"

Lara looked behind and saw none other than Isaac and Sarah now step forward from the crowd. The old seaman was walking without the use of his cane, the stick clutched tightly in his left hand. His clothes were no longer ragged, the dark brown jacket and tan pants he wore seamlessly tailored. His beard and hair were well groomed as well. He was a far cry from the haggard sickly old man Lara first met at the rundown orphanage. Sarah walked right beside him in a burgundy dress, both looking no less indignant than John as they came to stand on Lara's other side.

"I've known this young woman just as long as John!" said Isaac, loud enough for all to hear. "It's no exaggeration when I say I owe my life to her! Were it not for Lara, Richard's plundering would've all but ensured I died from illness long before Seahaven was attacked by any witches! The only reason I'm standing here today is because of her! The only reason the orphans in my care have a proper home is because of her! Lara stood up for me when I could barely stand myself! So I'll gladly stand beside her now!"

"And so will I!" said Sarah. "Because of Lara, I was able to save lives after the attack on the marina! Including her own! But that still doesn't start to pay back what she's done for me or the kids! So don't think I'll stand quietly by while you try her in this court like some…some…some criminal!"

Sarah turned sharply to the crowd. "Or while you all treat her like a wild animal that needs to be put down! John's right! He's absolutely right! I was at the hospital, too! I saw Lara stop the fire! I saw her dive into it and save the princess! And I admit, I was scared when I saw what she became! I was afraid when I saw the magic and the wings and tail!"

Sarah drew her arm across and then swung it wide. "But what Lara is doesn't change who she is! She's my friend! And you don't abandon your friends when they need your help! So if you ever called her a friend, or you ever held one shred of gratitude to her, you owe it to her to get up here and stand beside her!"

Suddenly Jenni launched herself out of Ariel's lap, catching the queen by surprise. She ran past Eric and down the dais as fast as she could to Lara, latching onto the woman's leg like a barnacle. She glared angrily up at Eric, her eyes red from crying.

Lara looked back and forth between John, Sarah, and Isaac. This felt far too surreal. Was she dreaming? Was she actually still asleep and the trial had yet to happen? Because there was no way this could be happening. Not after everything she told them and everything that happened. They were supposed to be afraid of her. They were supposed to turn their backs on her. They should be calling for her head or running her out of the kingdom. Why were they up here trying to defend her?

Eric looked down at the group, and then turned his gaze out to the crowd. He could see the guilt and shame emerge in many of their faces. Clearly John, Isaac, and Sarah's words hit a nerve. But they were not ready to step up. Not yet. There was still too much fear and uncertainty in them. They needed another push.

"Does anyone else feel this way?" he asked. He waited for someone else to come forward, but no one did.

"If you'll forgive my impertinence, your majesty…"

Lara thought she could not be any more surprised or astonished in such a short amount of time. She was proven sorely mistaken when none other than Grimsby strode past Eric, walking down the dais steps.

Eric's eyes widened in astonishment. "Grims?"

"I have some words of my own for Miss Anclagon," Grimsby said as he descended. He stopped right in front of Lara, looking down his nose at her with his heavily lidded eyes.

"G-Gramps?" breathed Lara, taking a step back. "What…what are you–?"

"Stop gaping like a fish and close your mouth," said Grimsby, cutting her off. "It's most unbecoming."

Lara shut her mouth so quickly Grimsby heard her teeth clack.

"While you were moping in your room, Miss Anclagon, I had a fair amount of time to consider my sentiments towards you–both professional and personal. I've already taken the liberty to express these sentiments to their majesties, so I will summarize them for you," said Grimsby. He coughed to clear his throat. "There's very little we agree on. Nor are we what one could call 'friends.' Tolerable acquaintances is more appropriate, and with reason. Because, despite my firmest insistences, you continue to be as abrasive, hot-headed, immodest, and uncivilized as the day you first entered his majesty's service. Do not even start me on your absolute lack of lady-like conduct or garb, which has not improved in the slightest. These most recent revelations regarding your father, your former 'profession,' and your confession to murdering the queen's grandfather do not improve my opinion of you, either–though, they do explain a great deal. I find no rational reason to dispute his majesties sentencing on the matter."

He watched Lara's face. She still had that utterly confused expression on it. She really did not understand what was happening, or why he was even telling her this.

"Yet despite my continued reservations against you, Miss Anclagon, I find I cannot hold my tongue in this spectacle any longer." Grimsby coughed again into his hand. "You are, in the bluntest possible terms, a most ridiculous young woman. Yet, you are also among the most valorous, honorable, compassionate, and selfless individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing next to their majesties. Nor do I find fault with the voices of your friends, or their decisions to stand by you in this hour."

Lara swallowed, struggling to process what Grimsby just said to her. "I…what? But–."

"I'm not finished," interrupted Grimsby. "The crimes you committed are many and terrible, Miss Anclagon. And they cannot and should not go unpunished. But there is much to be said for your remorse–conditional as some of it may be–and for your contributions to the safety of their majesties and this kingdom. If the purpose of this trial is truly to see justice done, I fail to see how that is served by answering death with further loss of life." He nodded towards Arista and Aria. "Especially given the many lives you have preserved."

Grimsby turned back to Eric before Lara could say anything to him. "I stand before your majesties not as your advisor, but as a man moved by his conscience to speak out against what I feel is a violation of the fair principles this court and kingdom were founded upon!"

"The sentences have been decided, sir!" said one of the councilmen. "Are you attempting to thwart this court?"

"No, your grace! Merely attempting to save a life! One that is worthy of mercy!" Grimsby reached into his jacket and produced a folded paper covered in writing, a very large signature scrawled across the bottom. "This is my letter of resignation. I have no intention of contending the sentences you have handed down. But if you intend to execute this woman, whether immediately or by wasting her life within the confines of a cell, then this shall be my last day in service to his majesty! Dare I say to this kingdom!"

Lara's eyes flew wide open. "Gramps!?"

"Grimsby!?" exclaimed Ariel as a round of gasps went up from the crowd.

"You can't be serious, Grims!" said Eric, taking a step towards the advisor.

"I have never been more serious!" assured Grimsby as he pocketed the letter.

"You've been my most loyal and trusted advisor for decades!" said Eric. "Not to mention my friend! Are you telling me you'd really give it all up for her?"

"If I may quote Miss Anclagon directly…" Grimsby clacked his heels together and lifted his chin. "Abso-freakin'-lutely!"

Before anyone else could speak, one person after another left the crowd and went to stand behind Lara. Waitresses and bartenders from the Mermaid's Trove. Sailors from the marina. Shopkeepers, tailors, blacksmiths, butchers, bakers, candlestick makers. Even several of the guards. They all came forward to stand behind her. Within minutes most of the crowd was gathered behind Lara, as though she were the leader of a militia. From outside came a steadily growing chant. In a matter of seconds, they were loud enough for Lara to make out the words, and then the chant spread into the throne room.

"Mercy! Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!"they all shouted, raising their fists into the air. Several of the guards reached for their weapons concerned the throngs could spill over into an angry mob at any moment.

"Order!" shouted one of the councilmen. "I demand order in this court!"

The people ignored him. If anything, they chanted louder. Lara's mouth fell open as she turned around to face the crowd, unable to believe what she was hearing and seeing. She really must be dreaming. This had to be some sort of cruel trick to give her hope before she woke up.

"Silence!" Eric commanded loudly. His voice cut right through the noise. Almost instantly the chanting stopped, everyone watching him. Eric looked out over the crowd, seeing the now stern and resolute faces among them. Then he smiled and shook his head, unable to hold back a chuckle. "I can't believe that actually worked!"

Lara blinked at him. "Huh?"

Melody stood up and went to her father's side. "I think that pretty much speaks for itself. Wouldn't you agree, Grims?"

Grimsby gave a nod of his head. "Indisputably, your highness. Though, I daresay it was too close for comfort."

"And please don't ever scare us like that again!" said Ariel as she joined them. "I really thought you were going to quit!"

"Well, you know what they say," said Grimsby as he walked up to them. "Politics is three parts policy, one-part performance. Besides, me? Quit? Surely not! This kingdom would fall to chaos without me!"

"Sure, Grims." Eric reached over and slapped Grimsby on the back, causing the man to let out an "oof!" and stumble three steps away. "Whatever you say!"

Lara's eyes kept darting between Ariel, Eric, and Melody's faces. "What is going on here?"

Melody looked down at Lara. "What is going on is the entire reason we made this an open trial."

"What reason?" asked Lara.

Grimsby walked up to stand by Ariel, keeping warily out of arm's reach of Eric. "Normally, all testimony is concluded before deliberations on sentencing begin. However, there was one testimony we were hoping for by allowing the public to attend."

Lara shook her head and blinked. "What? Whose?"

Ariel gave small grin as she nodded to behind Lara. "Theirs."

Lara looked back at the crowd, and then back at her. "I don't understand."

"After what you told us about Yumino and Lao Xan, we were worried you might try to use this trial to get yourself convicted," said Ariel. "With that testimony you gave, you all but proved us right. What was it you said, Eric? Right after we left?"

Eric groaned and buried his face in his hand. "Please don't make me say it again! I feel bad enough about it already!"

"Point is, we knew there was a chance you wouldn't even try to defend yourself," said Melody, sparing her father from having to repeat his earlier indelicate comment. "But we gambled that if the people attended, someone might speak up for you! You are a bit of a celebrity, after all."

Lara's eyes widened. "You planned this!?"

"If by 'planned' you are implying we deliberately asked your friends to testify on your behalf, Miss Anclagon, then the answer is no," said Grimsby. "They did so of their own volition, as did everyone you see here. And not a moment too late. While I doubt there's ever been a single positive character witness that could swing the favor of a trial one way or the other, having several thousand of them does certainly give one pause for consideration when it comes to deciding one's punishment."

"Especially considering we're currently in here with a very large number of them," said Eric, glancing at the crowd.

Grimsby arched a brow at Eric. "I certainly hope your majesty is not implying he would allow the demands of a crowd affect his impartiality as the overseer this trial."

Eric allowed himself a grin. "Says the man who just threatened to resign his position if he didn't like the result. And what kind of king would I be if I didn't listen to the voices of my people?"

"You're just as glad as we are this plan worked, Grimsby," added Ariel. "And don't you pretend otherwise!"

Lara's jaw and hand tightened as she saw Grimsby give a small and content smile. "What do you think you're all doing?"

"Lara?" said Eric, everyone looking at her as they noticed the anger in her voice.

"What are you doing!?" Lara brusquely pushed Jenni off her, shoving her towards Sarah. Then she stepped towards the dais till her chains went taught. "You all know what I did! I told you everything!" She spun back to the crowd. "I told all of you! Yet you're trying to defend me!? Are you insane!? Did you not hear a word I said!? You know what I've done! What I am! I killed people! I killed Poseidon! I almost killed all of you, too!"

"But you didn't!" said Ariel.

Lara spun back to face her. "What does it matter if I didn't!? It's a miracle this kingdom is still standing after what I did! If you had any sense, you would've let me die at the hospital! By all rights, I should be dead right now! I shouldn't be here!"

"You're right," said Eric. "You shouldn't."

"I'm–!" Lara stopped, then blinked at Eric. "Wait, what?"

"You shouldn't be here, Lara," said Eric. "Not at this trial. And not in those chains. Same as I never should've arrested you. Same as I shouldn't have marched you into that dungeon. Not after everything you've risked and sacrificed. Not just for–."

"I haven't sacrificed anything!" shouted Lara over him. "Much less done anything to deserve mercy!"

"Is that right?" Eric handed the gavel and block back to Grimsby, folding his arms together. "How many people live around the palace, Lara?"

"Wha–of course I don't know that!" said Lara.

"Guess, then."

Lara struggled to speak for a moment. "I…I don't know! A thousand? Maybe two thousand?"

John slapped a hand to his forehead as he burst out laughing. "Two thousand!? Bwa-ha ha! That's a good one!"

"In half the marina, maybe!" said Isaac. "And that's on a slow day!"

Eric looked to Grimsby. "Do you know, Grims?"

Grimsby held his chin in thought. "By recollection of our last census, the total was forty-six thousand, give or take another three."

"And how many live in the kingdom altogether?"

"That's difficult to say, your majesty. There's annual immigration and emigration to consider. Not to mention the regular flow of trade and travel through our lands, as well as students from foreign lands. All that is before you factor in the marine–."

"Just give me an estimate," interrupted Eric.

"Oh, right. Of course. I believe it's in the range of ninety-five thousand, your majesty."

Eric looked back to Ariel's sisters. "You and Ariel know Morgana and Ursula better than any of us. What do you think they would've done with our people if Lara hadn't stopped them?"

"We don't have to think about it," said Alana for the group. "They would've killed whoever got in their way. Then captured you, Ariel, Melody, and the rest of us for who knows what."

"And going by what you've told us about Remora, Lara, she would have done a lot worse than who-knows-what," added Melody.

"But you stopped them, Lara," said Ariel. "You did! My father might've been the one who put up that ice wall to protect the town from that ship. But you're the one who drove them off! They failed because you were there!"

Jenni ran back to Lara, hugging her leg even tighter than before. "See!? You are a hero!"

"The queen's right, Lara," said Isaac. "There'd be nothing left of us or Seahaven if it wasn't for you."

Lara stared at Isaac, then looked dumbfoundedly up at Ariel. "But I–!"

Eric held up his hand to silence her. "Who are you? Kaida Blackjaw, or Lara Anclagon?"

"I'm…" Lara kept opening and closing her mouth, but her voice was failing her again.

"Ye seem t' be havin' trouble decidin' fer yerself," interrupted John. "So why don't ye just listen up fer a minute, eh? It weren't no Kaida Blackjaw that worked in me tavern fer near two moons t' keep them kids fed."

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw who avenged my daughter after Richard abused her," said Isaac. "Or who stopped a sword with her bare hand to protect a child that wasn't even her own."

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw who gave us an entire chest of gold coins," said Sarah. "Or went out of her way for a family she didn't owe a thing to. Or that I made sure didn't die after stopping the fire."

Ariel's sisters stood, Aquata taking over Arista's wheelchair as they all walked up to the edge of the dais.

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw who rescued me from those pirates, even after I insulted her," said Alana. "Or who stopped a seaclops from rampaging through the town."

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw who protected us from…well, you-know-what," said Aquata.

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw who pulled me and my daughter out of that fire," said Arista, cradling Aria in her arms. "Or who I asked to be her godmother."

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw who rescued us all from Morgana and those machine soldiers of hers," said Andrina.

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw who fought that giant sea serpent," said Adella.

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw I pulled out of the ocean in that storm," said Ariel. "And she wasn't the one who protected me from that wave, and then that clockman in Glowerhaven."

"It wasn't Kaida Blackjaw I hired to protect Melody," said Eric. "Or who stopped Maelstrom's invasion at the marina. Or who saved the lives of everyone in that hospital."

Melody stepped forward to stand in front of her parents. "And it wasn't Kaida Blackjaw who saved my life–our lives again and again. None of that was Kaida Blackjaw. That was all you. You're not Kaida Blackjaw. You're Lara Anclagon. And you're our friend. Grimsby?"

Grimsby reached into his jacket and produced a familiar folded poster, handing it to Melody. She unfolded it, looking at the picture for a moment before showing it to Lara. "I don't know who Kaida Blackjaw is. None of us do. But we know one thing for certain…"

With that, Melody grabbed the poster and tore it down the middle. Lara watched slack jawed as the tear split her image in half, the rip of paper echoing through the room. Then Melody tore it again. She kept going till the poster was nothing but tiny shreds, and then she dropped them. Lara watched as the pieces fell through the air, landing in a scattered pile on the floor.

"Whoever Kaida is or was, she is not you!" said Melody with finality, as though she were putting the matter to rest once and for all. "And I won't have anyone call you that ever again! Not even you!"

She looked away from Lara to the crowd. "There's something you all need to know! That poster was a fraud! And so are the charges listed on it!"

Astonished gasps and raised voices went through the crowd at Melody's declaration.

"No, they're not!" shouted Lara.

"What the princess says is true!" Grimsby announced to the crowd, holding up a hand for quiet. "That poster came from King Willard of Strihaven! Not from any of the eastern kingdoms! We also have strong reason to suspect King Willard has been consorting with Maelstrom! There is evidence he was directly involved with the assassination attempt in Glowerhaven! He may also have been providing them with information regarding our efforts to locate them!"

The crowd came alive with chatter again. King Willard associating with Maelstrom? Involving himself in an attempt on their rulers' lives? It sounded too scandalous to be true! But given how hostile the man had been towards the royal family following his son's death, it was also entirely plausible.

"As such, this evidence is considered fraudulent!" said Grimsby. "Therefore, it cannot be held as permissible within this court!"

"But…my testimony!" said Lara. "I told you everything! Those charges are real!"

"With only your word and a wanted poster from a place no one has been to to vouch for them," said Grimsby.

"Excuse me?"

"Miss Anclagon, I do not know how justice is carried out in the eastern kingdoms," said Grimsby. "Though I prefer not to imagine such things. But in the Alliance, more than one person's testimony and dubious wanted poster are needed to convict someone of such an extensive list of crimes. Especially if that one person is blatantly attempting to earn themselves a guilty verdict. Hardly impartial. I would go so far as to call it deliberate self-incrimination, which would fall under interference with the course of justice."

"But–!"

"Are there any other witnesses who could vouch for what you did?" asked Grimsby.

"Wha–of course there aren't any!" said Lara. "They're on the other side of the Devil's Steppe! Or, Sand Ocean! Whatever you call that desert!"

"Would anyone in Seahaven be able to testify as a witness?"

"Again, desert! Unless you're counting the Master, and he's–!"

Grimsby folded his arms behind his back. "So what you are saying, Miss Anclagon, is that the only evidence we have for these alleged crimes of yours are the following. Your word, which you seem most intent on using to prosecute yourself. A wanted poster that somehow miraculously made it across an un-traversable desert or, more likely, was crafted by a potentially treasonous king who has motive to wish harm against us. And the word of a megalomaniacal practitioner of black magic who is bent on conquering the entire Alliance, and who we are expected to believe somehow crossed aforementioned desert?"

"I…but…that's…!" Lara found herself struggling to form a coherent sentence, much less a valid counterargument.

Grimsby turned to the council. "Would any of that be admissible in this court?"

A unanimous shaking of heads went through the council, if a few did so reluctantly.

"No, I thought not." Grimsby turned back to Lara. "There's also the matter of Alliance law regarding extradition of fugitives."

"Extra-what of what?" said Lara.

"It means you can't be tried in this kingdom for a crime–alleged crime, I mean–that you might've committed in another one," said Ariel. "You have to be sent to that kingdom in order to stand trial for it."

"Which raises a few problems," said Melody, her tone indicating she was not distressed in the slightest by them. "The eastern kingdoms are on the other side of the Sand Ocean. And unlike you, we don't have any way to get across it. We also don't have any dealings whatsoever with them."

"And given what you've just told us, we'd rather keep it that way," added Eric before he looked to the crowd. "Wouldn't you all agree?"

A round of agreeing murmurs went through the people and council. From what Lara described, the eastern kingdoms sounded downright awful! Contacting them could invite as much catastrophe as Maelstrom, or even worse! They were just asking for trouble by reaching out to them!

"Sounds right fine by me!" said John. "Ain't lookin' t' swap tackle with th' likes o' them anytime soon!"

Aquata's brow furrowed in confusion. "I know he's saying words, but for the life of me I can barely understand him!"

"It takes practice," admitted Ariel.

Melody gave Lara a victorious-looking smirk. "Basically, we can't convict you for crimes you didn't commit in the Alliance, or against anyone from the Alliance. And since we don't have any relations with or a way to contact the eastern kingdom, we don't have any right to make you stand trial for them. We can't even jail you for them!"

Lara gawked at Grimsby, then looked at the shredded paper on the floor. She hated to admit it, but they were right. Without a way to get her to the eastern kingdoms, they had no legal standing to try or hold her for the crimes she committed there. She had still committed the crimes. That had not changed. But neither could she be prosecuted much less punished for them. Far as being a fugitive was concerned, she was stuck in legal limbo.

Grimsby coughed, gathering everyone's focus to him. "I hate to 'rain on this parade,' as it were…but there is still the matter of Poseidon. And assaulting King Triton."

Rain on the parade did not come close to describing the abrupt shift in mood. It was more like a deluge. The entire room went quiet, all suddenly remembering those particular accusations. The princesses shifted nervously, wringing hands and chewing lips again. Eric tensed visibly, Ariel taking hold of his arm. Melody's smirk faltered as she came to the same conclusion. There was no getting around those two charges. They allowed themselves to get too carried away, but Grimsby yanked them back to reality.

"I *cough* have something to say about that!"

Everyone looked to the door in the side of the throne room as it swung open. Attina was leaning in the doorway, breathing hard and looking like someone just dumped a bucket of seawater on her. Her brunette hair hung soaking wet and disheveled, and there were large water marks on her simple blue dress. She was clutching a wet scroll in her right hand. She looked exhausted, and the shaking in her legs only reinforced that image.

"Attina!?" exclaimed Lara.

"Sorry *cough* that I'm late! Pththt!" Attina spat a strand hair out of her mouth before coughing again. "A little help, please? I just swam all the way here and my legs feel like jellyfish!"

Ariel ran over to her eldest sister and hugged her, ignoring the water that soaked into her own dress. "You made it!"

"Of course I made it!" said Attina, hugging Ariel more for help standing than a greeting. "I was always the fastest swimmer!"

"Says the mermaid who's over three hours late!" said Arista. "Where were you!?"

"You can blame father for that!" Attina panted out, allowing Ariel and a guard to help her walk to the dais. She held the scroll aloft, water dripping off it and herself.

"What did he do?" asked Adella.

"Kept taking his sweet time!" said Attina. "And losing his temper, as usual! Sebastian and I spent the last three days helping him write this! You'd think he'd know how to write a decree after being king for so long! I finally had to put my fin down and take what he had!"

Alana looked behind Attina at the door. "Is he here?"

"No," said Attina as Ariel and the guard released her. Her legs shook for a moment, and she held out her arms as she started to sway. But then she found her balance and stood up straight. "He didn't want to come. Did you sentence Lara already?"

Ariel's face fell. "Yes…she was pronounced guilty."

"Oh…" Attina brushed a few wet strands behind her ears. "Good! That'll make this easier!"

Ariel, her sisters, and Melody all stared at Attina as she broke the seawax seal on the scroll. "Wait, what?"

"Attina, what are you doing here!?" asked Lara.

"I'm here on official Atlantican business," said Attina. Then she turned to the council. "I have an urgent message from my father!"

Lara's stomach did a flip as Attina carefully unfurled the scroll and turned to face her. A kelp leaf fell out of it, landing on the floor with a wet flop.

"Were you trying to bring all the ocean in with you?" asked Adella as she noticed a fragment of coral and a strand of seaweed stuck in Attina's hair. "Or just half of it?"

Attina ignored her sister and cleared her throat before reading. "Lara Anclagon…"

A palpable tension swept over the room, ending everyone's thoughts about doing anything other than listening to each and every word.

"I, King Triton, and the royal court of Atlantica accuse you of the following crimes," read Attina. "The murder of King Poseidon of Atlantica. The attempted kidnapping of then Prince Triton of Atlantica. And assaulting the now King Triton of Atlantica."

"Oooh…" hissed Andrina. "Forgot about the kidnapping one."

"But that wasn't her!" said Melody.

"Quiet!" whispered Alana. "Let her read!"

"These crimes are grave and serious, warranting the most severe of punishments," continued Attina. "Were you not in the employment of my daughter and son-in-law, I would have you brought directly to Atlantica to stand trial."

Lara gulped along with Ariel, Melody, and most of her sisters. Jenni held Lara's leg tighter, as if she might suddenly disappear if she let go. Whatever else Triton wrote on that scroll, they doubted it was good news. Lara could almost hear the anger in Triton's words as Attina kept reading.

"However, in light of recent events and your prior service to Seahaven, and a further review of the evidence, the court and I have re-evaluated these charges and our recommended punishments."

Lara's breath hitched as her stomach flipped the other way. "What?"

"Wait…" Aquata walked up to Attina, trying to read over her shoulder. "Are you sure father wrote this? That doesn't sound like–!"

"I'm still reading, Aquata!" hissed Attina, shrugging her sister off. "And yes, he wrote it! Sebastian and I watched him do it!" She looked back at the scroll, scanning it to find her place. "Though you bear a strong resemblance to my kidnapper, it is now certain that the true kidnapper was your father. Therefore, the charge of kidnapping is dismissed on the grounds of mistaken identity. As for the assault against me, a careful review of the events indicate I was the one who attacked first, and did so with lethal intent."

"Oh yeah…" said Alana. "Daddy did shoot first, didn't he?"

"Your actions against me therefore constitute self-defense against a violent aggressor," said Attina. "The charge of assault against the king is therefore also dismissed."

Lara shook her head as her breathing began to intensify. Any normal person would probably feel relieved to be hearing this. She just felt sick.

"Which brings me to the final charge–the murder of my father, King Poseidon," said Attina.

The tension in the hall rose to a new level. Lara heard her heart pounding in her ears as Attina continued. "There is no doubt in my mind you and your father are the ones responsible for his death. My daughter Attina also informs me you have confessed to this crime multiple times now. That is all the evidence I and the court require."

Melody looked back and forth between Lara and Attina, distress written all over her face. "But that's…I thought he…!"

"There are no words that can fully describe the pain you both caused me," Attina read on. "You robbed me of a father, my grandfather of a son, and my people of a ruler. I cannot forgive your father, Lara Anclagon. Or you."

Lara hung her head, her hands clenching tight. There was not an eye in the hall that was not fixed on Attina as she paused, watching Lara for several seconds before she read again. "But you, and you alone, are more than deserving of my gratitude."

Lara's head snapped up. "Huh?"

"It is no exaggeration to say that, were it not for you, I would have no family," said Attina, her eyes working back and forth across the paper. "Time and again, you have protected the ones I hold most precious from those who would do us all harm. Not only that, but you have defended the lives of everyone who calls Seahaven home–a task not demanded by your station, but one you carried out regardless and at great risk and harm to yourself. Though these actions cannot absolve you of your crimes, neither can they be overlooked so easily. You are a criminal. But you are also a hero. I do not know what the correct answer is here. And more than likely, there is not one. But I know it cannot be avenging one death with another."

Melody's eyes widened as Attina winked at her. Those were her words! The ones she said in the hospital! Did Triton decide to write those into his message? Or did Attina just add them in herself?

"Therefore, I and the Atlantican court issue this decree," continued Attina. She paused for a moment, leaving everyone hanging onto her words with bated breath. Lara was staring at her so hard it was amazing the scroll had not caught fire.

"Go on!" whispered Ariel. "Keep reading!"

"It's called a dramatic pause!" said Attina.

"Read the room, Attina! Not the time or place!"

"Oh, fine!" Attina rolled her eyes and started reading again. "I, King Triton, hereby pardon Lara Anclagon of the murder of King Poseidon with this condition–that as penance for the life she has taken from me, she will devote herself to the protection of lives I hold dearest. She will continue to serve not only as the guardian of Princess Melody, but of the royal families of Seahaven and Atlantica."

Ariel found her eyes watering as she hid her smile beneath her hands. "Daddy…!"

"She is to carry out this duty with the same diligence, valor, and strength she has displayed till now," added Attina. "And will continue to do so for the remainder of her life, or until such time that I or the next ruler of Atlantica sees fit to discharge her from her service!"

Attina lowered the scroll. "Signed, King Triton of Atlantica."

Lara's eyes widened as the crowd burst into loud chattering and even some applauding claps. She felt her legs start to wobble as her head spun, her nausea growing. "That…that can't be real! That has to be a fake!"

"It's no fake, Lara," said Ariel. "It has my father's signature and seal."

Lara's breathing quickened even further. "Stop it…"

As if to prove her point, Attina flipped the scroll around to show Lara and the crowd. It was difficult to read, but Lara could make out "King Triton" scrawled at the bottom of the page. That, and a very large royal seal stamped in seawax. It was real.

Lara shook her head. "No…"

"That's daddy's hand, all right!" said Andrina. "No doubt about it! Guess that means you're officially pardoned, Lara!"

Lara was breathing fast now, her hands clenching into fists. "I said stop it…!"

Eric took the scroll from Attina and scanned it over. Then he handed it to Grimsby, a satisfied smile on his face. "King Triton has spoken, Lara. As of this moment, you're fully pardoned. Though, I still find it hard to believe you actually did it. Especially since only you and Triton seem to remember it. And Poseidon passed away some sixty years ago. You can't be older than what? Twenty-two? Twenty–?"

"STOP IT!"

Everyone was thrown off by Lara's sudden outburst. Everyone near her suddenly backed off as she flung her wings wide, clearing a space. Jenni quickly let go of her, running to Sarah and hiding behind her. Her eyes were aglow, and her hair was bristling with anger. Real heat was coming off her, making everyone nearby feel like they were standing out in the sun. She looked absolutely enraged.

"L-Lara?" said Ariel, confused by her abrupt anger. She was suddenly reminded of Bel'al's own outburst back in the hospital. Lara had that same look in her eyes as they glowed, and was giving off that same towering fiery presence he had. She really was the Solar King's daughter.

"You think this is a game!?" yelled Lara, her tail lashing back and forth. "You think this is funny!? That you can stand there and smile while you toss me through these stupid legal loopholes like a ball!? That you can write this all off as some mistrial because of a wet piece of paper!?"

She marched towards the gathered royals, one of the chains snapping in half when she reached the end. Everyone stepped further back as Aria began to cry, distressed by Lara's shouting. Smoke rose from under her feet as the carpet smoldered. The archers aimed their crossbows at her again as another chain began to groan in protest.

"Wait!" said Eric, seeing their fingers stray towards the triggers. "Stand down, both of you!"

"This isn't justice!" Lara shouted angrily. "This is a farce! It's you burying your heads in the sand so you don't have to look at the mountain of corpses I'm standing on! You're shoving your noses in the flowers so you don't get a whiff of the blood on me! Because that's what you want! It's what all of you want! You want to make me out as some stupid fairy tale hero because it's easier for you to accept than the truth! Because you can't deal with the fact I'm not who you want me to be! Well I'm not okay with that! Not in the least! I am not some hero! I am not some magic savior who marched in from the desert to help you! I am a murderer and a monster! You hear me!? A monster! I killed people! I killed innocent people! Hundreds of thousands of them! Burned! Them! To! Nothing! I killed Triton's father! And I tried to kill him! You think a pardon or a desert or one kingdom not somehow razed to the ground changes anything I did!? That this'll help me sleep better at night, or make the screams stop!? It won't, and it doesn't! They're still dead! Poseidon, Yumino, Lao Xan–they're all dead! This isn't right and you know it! You can't–!"

WHAM!

Melody was not aware of what she was doing till after it happened. All she felt aware of was the anger. An anger that built inside her with every word Lara yelled at her until it spilled over. She felt as if someone else took control of her as she marched down the dais steps, went straight up to Lara, and then punched her as hard as she could in the face. Lara went reeling backwards and fell, landing flat out on the floor. Gasps went up from her family and the crowd.

"Would you shut up!?" Melody screamed.

Lara shook her head as she sat up, then winced as she rubbed her face. That hurt…it really hurt! Her entire left cheek was throbbing like crazy, and her head was spinning. Was she concussed? The fact she was having to think about it meant she probably was, if mildly. Since when could Melody hit that hard?

"This isn't right!?" Melody yelled at her. She expected her hand to be in agony like the first time she hit Lara. She barely felt an ache this time. "Us trying to help you isn't right!? Trying to give you a second chance isn't right!? And what, you dying is!? Or kicking you out of our lives!? Or locking you in the dungeon and throwing away the key!? For what?! So you can sit there and ignore us and feel sorry for yourself the rest of your life, just like you did before this trial!?"

"Mel?" said Lara, thrown off by her anger.

"I told you, Lara!" Melody shouted. "I told you to never, ever throw your life away again! I thought I beat that into you after you woke up! But it's clear you didn't listen to me, or you didn't care, because that's exactly what you're doing right now! We're trying to save you from yourself, but all you keep trying to do is put a noose around your neck! And I'm not gonna let you! You hear me!? I'm not gonna let you do that!"

Lara grimaced as she worked her jaw, shaking her head again. "What–!?"

"No, I am talking!" Melody shouted over her. "You had your chance! You don't get to talk anymore! Because every time you do, it's just one self-righteous pity party after another that comes spewing out of your mouth! I'm sick and tired of it, Lara! I'm sick and tired of you saying everyone can be forgiven except you! That you're too broken or bloody or monstrous to get that chance! That you don't deserve any sort of mercy! That you don't even deserve your own life! That the only one who shouldn't be saved is you, even though you're always running into danger to save everyone else! But you're the one who needs saving more than any of us, Lara! You are! And we're the ones who have to do it, because you won't!"

Lara's lips parted slightly. "Mel…"

"You think I'm just going to stand by and watch you destroy yourself!?" Melody continued. "Just like I watched you try to die at the hospital!? What did you think I'd do after you were gone, Lara!? Huh!? Feel happy you 'atoned' for what you did!? Not shed a tear for you because I didn't want you to think I missed you!? Remember you as the murderer and monster you keep trying to convince us you are!?"

"I…I…" The glow left Lara's eyes, her own anger extinguished by Melody's.

"Because I didn't!" Melody yelled, shaking all over as if she were left out in a winter storm. Angry tears leaked out her eyes as she marched up to Lara, standing over her. "I didn't do any of that! I screamed, and cried, and begged my heart out for you to come back! Just like I did when you were dying in the marina! And just like I'm doing now! If I lose you, I'll spend every single day wishing you were still with us! Wishing I'd tried harder to help you! That I knew how to make you forgive yourself! To make you realize how important you are to me! To all of us! To get you to understand you don't have to carry all that pain and guilt and sorrow by yourself, because you aren'talone! Can't you understand that!? You're not alone anymore!"

Melody dropped to her knees, looking straight into Lara's eyes. "I'm here! I am right here in front of you, holding out my hand and begging you to take it while you still can! I don't care how much blood or pain or fire is on you! I'll hold onto you and never let go! But if you don't take it, it'll be the same as you doing nothing when you knew what the right thing to do was! You won't just hurt yourself! You'll hurt all of us! Worse than you could imagine! And you'll never have the chance to find that redemption you keep telling yourself you don't deserve! But you do deserve that chance, Lara! Much as you keep telling yourself you don't, you do! And I want to help you find it, no matter how long it takes!"

The lump reformed in Lara's throat and then fell into her chest like she swallowed a lead ball. She could not have said anything even if she wanted to. She just watched Melody pant and glare at her. Melody wiped her eyes on her sleeve and sniffed loudly, not breaking her gaze.

"Melody's right, Lara."

Lara and Melody looked to see Ariel gracefully descend the dais steps.

"You've saved us enough times already. It's our turn to save you." Ariel went to stand beside her daughter before kneeling to Lara's level. "And she's not the only one who wants to help you. I do, too. We all do. And why shouldn't we? You are one of the bravest, kindest, and most loyal people we know. You've risked everything for us more times than we could repay. And we don't want to lose you any more than Melody does. We're not doing this because we want to erase your past. We're doing this because we don't want you to give up on your future. A future we all want to be part of. You're more than some hired sword to us, Lara. You're more than even a friend. You're family now. If we lost you…I'd feel like I lost a daughter."

The lump in Lara's chest doubled in weight. "A…a daughter?"

Ariel nodded, then reached out and took Lara's hands. "I know you've made mistakes. Terrible mistakes. Mistakes that cost people their lives. And I know you feel scared and ashamed. That there's no way you could possibly atone for that. Honestly, I don't know if you can either. That's not for you, me, or any of us to decide. And we won't find an answer to that any time soon. But you'll never find it at all if you give up here. And after everything you've done to protect us…to protect our people…to protect your friends…you're making a good start. And that hasto count for something! It has to! Because if ever there was anyone who deserved a chance at atonement, Lara, it's you. And I'll help you and Melody find it, no matter what."

"So will I," said Eric as he walked down and knelt beside Ariel. "Your life isn't just yours anymore, Lara. It's mine. And Melody's. And Ariel's. And Aria's. And Jenni's. Each and every person who cares about you holds a piece of it now. And we get to because, like it or not, you're as much a part of our lives as we are of yours. And we want to keep you in them–all of you. And that's not about to change that anytime soon."

Lara looked between Ariel, Eric, and Melody's faces. Then she looked around at the princesses, and then her friends behind her. She could see it in all their faces. Not one of them disagreed with anything the three of them said. Lara felt like her heart was starting to crack from all the emotions filling it.

"Even if you say you want to help me, I don't even know where to start," Lara said, her eyes falling to the floor as she clenched her hands.

Eric stood up, then offered his hands for Ariel and Melody to do the same. "You can start by standing up to accept your punishment."

Lara blinked rapidly. "Punishment?"

"Yes, punishment," said Eric. "What? Just because we're not going to imprison, exile, or execute you doesn't mean we're going to let you off easy. You caused a…what was that term you used, Grims?"

Grimsby cleared his throat. "A sadistic strain on our collective blood pressures, sire."

"That," said Eric, looking back at Lara. "You caused a lot of that with these near-death experiences of yours. And now you're going to make it up to us."

"What about the damages to the marina?" asked Isaac. "And endangering the public and crown? I thought you were charging her with that, too."

"There was quite a bit of damage," said Grimsby. "And it's going to be a very large bill to return it to working order. Not to mention a lot of people were endangered. Although, most of the damage was done by Maelstrom. Or at least, while Lara was protecting the princess from them. And she did not harm much less kill anyone from the Alliance. Therefore, the endangerment charge is moot. And the crown will be responsible for the cost of repairs."

"We could always start a tab," joked Melody as she wiped her eyes one last time. "Lara could probably pay it off by the time she's…what? A hundred and fifty? Hundred and sixty?"

"We'll come back to that," said Ariel. "Uh, Lara? You can stand up now."

Lara realized she had not moved from where she lay on the floor. She shakily stood, not taking her eyes of Eric. "So…my punishment? If you're not gonna get rid of me, what are you gonna do with me?"

"We had some thoughts on that," said Eric, looking around at his immediate and extended family. "As you know, the mastermind of Maelstrom is still at large. As is the witch who set fire to the hospital. And we don't know for certain if Ursula, Morgana, or that sea serpent are really gone. Therefore, you haven't yet finished your job as my daughter's guardian…unless, that is, Melody feels like she doesn't need you anymore."

Now it was Melody who blinked at her father. "What!? Are you crazy!? Of course I still need her! I'd barely feel safe in my own room without her! Besides, grandfather said she can't quit till he or Aunt Attina says so!"

"And trust me, that's not going to happen in his or my lifetimes!" said Attina.

"I thought as much," said Eric, looking back at Lara. "Which brings us to your last standing charge–dishonesty to the crown. More specifically, the promise you broke."

Lara blinked at him. "I…what? What promise?"

"The promise you made after you returned with your sword? The one in the pavilion?" Eric walked back to the top of the dais, then turned to look down at Lara. "Did you or did you not promise me you would do everything in your power to keep my family safe?"

"Yes…," admitted Lara hesitantly.

"And have you been using all of said power to do so till now?" continued Eric.

"As much as I thought was necessary."

"But wouldn't it have been easier to deal with, say, the pirates and seaclops if you'd used more?" asked Ariel.

"Well, yeah!" said Lara. "But there wasn't–!"

"Therefore…" interrupted Melody. "You would've been able to protect us more effectively if you had, right?"

"I mean, technically I could've! But it's–!"

Atttina folded her arms together, trying her best to look cross. The smirk on her face did not help, nor did her wet hair and dress. "So you admit you could've done a better job of keeping us all safe, but you deliberately chose not to?"

"Hold on a second!" said Lara, not sure what they were going for with this new round of questioning.

"Oooh!" sang Alana, Arista, and Aquata teasingly. "Somebody's in trouble!"

"That's putting it very mildly!" said Eric with poorly feigned anger. "And as for you, Lara, there's no 'technically' about it. We've seen the full extent of what you can do now. And it's leagues beyond what you ever showed us before. Hence, you didn't do everything in your power to keep my family safe. Hence, you broke your promise to me. Hence, you are guilty of dishonesty to the crown. Therefore, you must be punished for it!"

Lara stared at Eric with an open mouth. He had her on that one. "….I'm sorry?"

"An apology is not going to cover it, Lara," said Eric. "A broken promise to the king is a serious business. And it's going to require something far more severe for you to make up for it."

"I'm really sorry?"

"Enough jokes," said Eric sternly. "Lara, you are guilty of the crime of dishonesty to the crown. And as such, we have thought up a punishment specifically suited to you. Something reserved only for individuals like you. Something that you'll have to carry with you the rest of your life. Something you'll never forget for a moment, even while you sleep."

Lara gulped. "Even while I sleep?"

Eric nodded, trying not to smile at the worried look on Lara's face. Ariel, Arista, Adella, and Sarah could not help themselves, stifling their laughs behind their hands. "This will remind you not only of your promise to me, but also of this day every time you so much as think of your own name. And it will make sure you never, ever call yourself any sort of monster again."

Lara swallowed nervously. The weight in her chest was now rolling around in her gut. Just what kind of punishment had Eric thought up? Whatever it was, it sounded nasty. And permanent.

Melody nodded towards her throne. "Dad? Does that mean I should…?"

"Hm?" Eric glanced at her seat for a moment. "Oh, yes! That!You can get it now!"

"Get what?" asked Lara as Melody quickly ran back to her seat and grabbed something from behind it. Lara tried to see what it was, but Melody kept it hidden behind herself as she sprinted back and took the dais steps two at a time, stopping at the bottom.

Eric nodded to one of the guards. "Release Lara at once!"

"Yes sir!" the guard said, quickly marching out to Lara. She saw it was the same one who tried to give her the key earlier. He grasped her manacles, producing the key and shoving it into one of the locks. He gave it a twist and there was a sharp click, the lock popping open. There was another click as he repeated the process, opening the last lock. The manacles slid off Lara's wrists and the guard quickly took them away. She rubbed where the manacles chafed her, already feeling her skin smoothing over.

"Everyone stand back, please!" asked Grimsby as Ariel went to join Eric and her sisters. "Clear some room!"

Sarah, Isaac, John, and Jenni nervously backed away from Melody and Lara with the rest of the crowd.

"A bit more, if you would," said Grimsby. The crowd backed even further away. "That will do. Princess, you may proceed."

A/N: "You Can Become A Hero" by Yuki Hayashi

Melody nodded as Grimsby went to Eric's side, her aunts arranging themselves along the top of the dais to watch. Melody walked straight up to Lara with notably measured steps. She was holding herself like a princess now. Elegant, composed, and dignified in all sense of the word. And Lara did not like it. She was up to something. They were all up to something. This was about more than just a punishment.

Melody came to a stop at barely past an arm's length from Lara. "Lara Anclagon, please kneel."

Lara blinked. "Kneel?"

"That's what I said. Please kneel." Melody leaned in slightly closer and whispered, "And I'd really appreciate it if you would this time."

"Mel, what's going on?" asked Lara. "What is this? And what are you hiding?"

"I'll show you," said Melody, giving Lara a wink as she shifted to keep Lara from seeing what was behind her back. "But only if you take a knee. So…please?"

Lara stared back at her. She remained standing for a moment. Then she slowly sank to one knee, not taking her eyes off Melody for a moment. Melody revealed the object she was hiding was Lara's own sword. She raised it and slowly drew the weapon, holding it straight up in front of her. Lara could see her own reflection in the steel, including the confusion on her face. She really did not like this. The only reason she was not lunging to wrestle it out of Melody's hands was because Eric said they were not going to execute her…right? Or was this some sort of payback they thought might scare her?

"Lara Anclagon…" said Melody, her voice carrying loud enough for all to hear as she lowered the sword's tip to Lara's left shoulder. "I charge you to be brave in the face of danger, and virtuous when challenged with adversity…"

Lara's eyes widened, and a round of gasps went up from the crowd. She had seen Eric do this very thing to someone once before. Was Melody really about to do what she thought she was?

Melody moved the sword to Lara's right shoulder, confirming her suspicions. "To be truthful when confronted with deceit, and just when surrounded by injustice…"

The entire crowd was holding its breath now. Sarah clapped her hands over her mouth as she started crying. Isaac suddenly went weak in the knees, having to lean on his cane for support as Jenni let out an ecstatic squeal, bouncing on her feet. John just beamed the biggest smile he could under his beard as Melody moved the sword back to Lara's left shoulder. "To be a shield against the wicked and a sword to protect the helpless…"

Lara thought that would be it. Instead, Melody moved the sword over one more time. "And to be a flame that brings light to those who are lost in darkness."

Grimsby leaned over to Eric. "That's not a part of the oath, is it sire?"

Ariel tapped Grimsby's shoulder and he leaned to her. "It is now. Melody added it."

"Ah." Grimsby straightened up, adjusting his cravat before grasping his lapels. "Well, I suppose some traditions are worth changing."

Eric smirked. "Oh, you utter rebel, you."

Melody held the sword in front of her again. "Do you accept these charges, and swear to honor and uphold them in all places and at all times, so long as you shall live?"

Lara gaped at her. She was glad she was kneeling, because she probably would have fallen over from shock if she was standing. "I…I…I…"

"Just say, 'I do,'" whispered Melody quietly.

"I…" Lara gulped. "Yes. I do."

Melody could not help the smile that spread across her lips. "Then by my authority as Princess of Seahaven–and as your friend– I dub thee Dame Lara Anclagon…" She sheathed Lara's sword, the blade sliding completely into its scabbard with an audible clack. Then she held it out flat to Lara, who accepted it with trembling hands. "A knight of the Alliance."

Lara was not aware of the crowd bursting into raucous applause and cheers behind her as she slowly stood. Their noise sounded distant and muted. She just kept staring at the sword in her hands. It was still her sword. Same worn handle. Same red scabbard. Same silvery sharpened steel within. Yet it had never felt so heavy to her before. Not with guilt or sin, but with responsibility. This was no longer just a magic sword. It was a knight's sword. Her sword. She was a knight now, bound by honor to uphold the sacred oath she just took. She now understood what Eric meant by her "punishment." She would carry this title with her for the rest of her life. She would never hear her name the same way again. She would never forget this day or her promise even if she tried. Not for a single moment. It would forever be in the back of her mind, affecting every thought she had and action she took. She might falter and make mistakes again, but she would always come back to it. More than that, it would forever tie her to Melody, her family, and this kingdom. No matter where she went, no matter how far she flew, she would always be one of their people.

And she would never be able to call herself a monster again. Now she had to call herself a knight.

"Are you just going to stand there?" asked Melody. "Or are you going to say something?"

Lara looked at her, utter confusion and disbelief on her face as she tried to comprehend the thousands of emotions and thoughts swirling through her mind. "Melody, why…why would you…why would you all do this? After everything I've done? Everything I hid from you? All the pain I've caused? Why are you all…why are you all so determined to save me?"

"You dummy." Melody walked up to her, gently clasping Lara's face in her hands. A beam of light fell through the windows, illuminating the pair of them within it as Melody smiled up at her. "Can't you tell? It's because we all love you."

Lara's heart stopped beating for a moment as she was thrust back into her memories again…


Yumino smiled weakly, blood leaking out her mouth as she reached up to cup Lara's face. "Promise me, Lara. Promise me…you'll keep…on living…"

Lara nodded. "I promise, Yumi! I promise I'll stay alive!"

Yumino smiled and shook her head. "No, not…like that. I want you…to do more…than stay alive…"

"What…?" Lara paused to wipe her eye. "What do you mean more?"

Yumino hissed, grimacing as she drew a painful breath. Lara felt her body tense up from the pain. Then she relaxed enough to smile at Lara again. "I want you…to leave the east."

Lara's eyes widened. "Leave? But where would I go!? No one knows what's out there!"

"You'll have to…find out…for yourself. But this place…these kingdoms…they're not…where you…belong." A coughing fit came over Yumino, causing her to grimace at the pain it caused her before she continued. "I want you…to go…and find a place…you can call home. Find somewhere…you truly belong. Somewhere…you can fly. Somewhere…your magic…is welcomed. Find people…who'll stand beside you. Find people…you can trust. And find someone…who makes you happy. Find someone…who'll love you…as much…as I do…and never…let go of them…"


Lara could not have stopped the tears even if she wanted to. They poured forth straight from her heart as a river as she stared at Melody, littering her chest and then the floor. Lara's lip started to tremble, and then so did the rest of her. Melody started to say something when Lara suddenly lunged forward, wrapping her up in the tightest hug she ever gave.

"I love you too, Mel!" Lara said, her voice quiet as she tried and failed to keep from breaking down completely. "I love all you guys!"

Melody was taken aback for a moment by the sudden embrace and Lara's words. Then she returned the hug just as firmly. She held onto Lara as the new knight bawled like a baby into her shoulder, her crying masked by the cheering crowd. Melody felt the warm tears seep into her dress, Lara's chest heaving as she sobbed uncontrollably. Melody just kept holding her, allowing Lara to vent as much as she needed.

Eric and Ariel just smiled down at them as they watched. Ariel started to wipe water out of her eyes when she heard Eric sniff and then wipe his left eye.

"Eric?" said Ariel. "Eric, are you…?"

"It's nothing," lied Eric, wiping his other eye. Both were unusually glassy. "Just a bit of dust is all. This place needs to get cleaned more often!"

Ariel gave a small laugh, reaching up to wipe his newest tear before it could fall. "Careful, Eric! Or we'll have to charge you with dishonesty to the crown, too!"

Neither of them noticed Arista nudge Andrina, the older sister rolling her eyes before she handed a shell to the new mother, who handed it to Aria to play with.

"Told you he'd be so happy he'd cry," said Arista, her baby gumming the shell with fascination.

Attina stared in open mouthed disbelief at her sisters, head whipping back and forth between them and Aquata. "Did…did they just–!?"

Aquata groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Sometimes I can't believe we're related to those two…"

The applause went on for two solid minutes before Eric raised his hand for silence. The noise quickly faded away. Lara and Melody separated, the mage wiping tears and a few boogers off her nose. Her eyes were red and glassy, and Melody had a large wet spot on her shoulder. If she cared, she gave no sign of it.

"I have one final decree!" said Eric, who then nodded to a pair of guards. They saluted and jogged around the perimeter of the crowd to the main doors, working quickly to remove the heavy crossbar. "From this day forward, Lara–sorry, Dame Lara Anclagon is entitled to this privilege! That so long as the Alliance stands…!"

Eric gestured to the main doors as the guards grabbed the immense handles and pulled. "She may fly freely though its skies!"

Lara followed Eric's hand to the doors. She gasped when she saw clear blue sky appear through the gap as they swung open. She looked back at Melody, her face asking if it was real and not some illusion. That she really did hear what Eric just said.

"Go on!" said Melody.

Lara then looked at Ariel and Eric, wanting them to confirm what was happening. They both smiled and nodded. Slowly Lara turned to face the door. The people stepped back from the aisle, clearing a path to the outside for her. Lara stood there, staring at the red carpeted path before her. She saw even more people outside, quickly clearing back from the open doors. She slowly knelt and placed her sword on the ground. Then she took a step. Then she took another. And then another. Each slow step brought her that much closer to the doorway and what lay beyond it.

Ariel left Eric and walked down to Melody, standing beside her. They watched as Lara slowly made her way forward, her form silhouetted by the day outside. For some reason, Ariel felt the words of a song coming to her lips. One she had not sung in years.

"I don't know when…I don't know how…"

Melody turned to her mother. She knew that song, but Ariel had not sung it in a very long time. It seemed to fit the moment, though. She joined in on the next line, harmonizing perfectly with Ariel.

"But I know something's starting right now…!"

Lara was walking briskly now, her eyes glued to the sky. Then she was jogging. Then she was running. Melody and Ariel found themselves running after her, not wanting to miss a moment of what would surely come next.

"Watch and you'll see…!" Ariel and Melody continued. Lara's wings began to spread as she reached the doorway. "Someday I'll be…!"

Lara ran through the doorway at a sprint, unfurling her wings fully. She lifted them as she crouched, preparing to take off. Then Lara leapt into the air as her wings beat downwards. A powerful wave of air blew out, causing everyone nearby to step back and shield their faces.

Melody and Ariel shielded their eyes as they reached the door, watching Lara shoot up into the endless blue as her wings took her upward, belting out the final line of song after her.

"Part of your woooooooooooorld!"


A/N: "Sun and Stars" by Really Slow Motion

Lara beat her wings as hard as she could against the pull of gravity, ascending like a rocket. She climbed higher and higher into the sky, Seahaven rapidly shrinking and Ariel and Melody's voices fading away. She did not look back. She kept her eyes glued to a patch of large white clouds high above. Her tears were back, streaked against her face by the wind. She felt her heart was going to explode out of her if she did not fly as fast as she dared. She wanted to go higher. She had to go higher!

Within minutes she was at the clouds. She hit them fast as an arrow, shooting into the haze. She felt the cold wetness of their moisture against her skin as she ascended. Then she shot out the top and straight into the sunlight and the infinite blue. She flew into a backwards loop and then leveled off above the cloud, still flying fast as she could. She skimmed above the cloud's surface, her wake swirling and churning the vapor as she flew. She dodged and weaved through wispy tendrils like a swallow chasing a flitting insect, and then abruptly banked hard to the right, her right wing dipping into the cloud. It cut through it like a sword, leaving a clean tear in the white. Then Lara beat her wings again and pulled up hard, shooting straight upwards. This time she did not flap her wings, allowing herself to stall out and hang weightless in the air. The wind played with her hair, making it sway as if she were underwater. She looked up and saw the sun overhead, squinting as she tried to not stare directly at it. Her eyes were still weeping, but it had nothing to do with the light or wind. It had to do with the sensation that kept building and building in her heart, like a pressurized kettle ready to blow.

She could fly again.

She missed this. The sunlight on her face and wings. The air pushing underneath her wings, and the way her muscles moved as she beat them. The wind's howling voice in her ears. The kiss of the clouds against her skin. That tickling sensation in her stomach when she abruptly dove or turned hard. She missed all of it. She missed it so much that she had not realized how much she hurt without it. Now she could do so once more. She could fly without fear. She had not been able to do that since she left Arcania–since she left her home.

The feeling in Lara's heart finally burst, and with it she felt her magic course out to every fiber of her being like an explosion. Lara closed her eyes and clenched her fists as an orange aura appeared around her. Then she flung her wings wide and her head back, and screamed as loud as she could to the vast blue. A blast of heated air erupted off her, pushing back the cloud and blowing it apart. Her scream was not from any physical agony, but from an immense release and the unparalleled relief it brought to her. All the guilt, shame, fears, sorrow, anger, pain, and nightmares that once burdened her were set free for the sun, stars, and wind to carry away. No longer would they weigh her down or haunt her waking moments or dreams. She could finally allow herself to let go of them. At long last, she found what her mother and her father had once given her. What Yumino had wanted for her, and she made Lara promise to find. Now Seahaven ensured Lara was able to keep that promise. She found the thing she was truly hunting for in the eastern kingdoms, and that she now realized she had not permitted herself to hope to find when she left them. The thing she wanted more than anything else in the world.

She found where she belonged.


Melody kept her hands clasped on the object behind her back, Lara's sword now entrusted to a guard for safekeeping. She was still watching the sky for any sign of Lara alongside her father, mother, and aunts. She had been able to follow her for a while, but eventually she went so high she became impossibly small to track. She was barely a dot when she vanished into a distant cloud. Then the cloud seemed to burst apart. No doubt Lara used some sort of magic to do it.

Fifteen minutes had passed now. Everyone had moved out of the throne room, all scanning the sky for the Alliance's newest knight. Some had spyglasses handy and were now using them to try and spot her.

"I don't see her," said Attina, shading her eyes as she looked about.

"Same here," said Aquata. "Where did she go?"

"Somewhere up there," said Eric, indicating a patch of sky with the small spyglass pressed to his right eye. "I saw her for a moment a few minutes ago, but then I lost her behind those clouds."

"You don't think she flew off…I mean, off-off? Do you?" asked Alana nervously.

"She better not have!" said Arista, bouncing Aria gently in her arms. The baby seemed to be searching the sky as well. "Not after all that!"

"She'll be back," said Melody. "Just wait."

As though on cue, someone suddenly pointed excitedly at the sky. It took Melody a moment, but she spotted Lara diving straight down from above. Her wings were tucked in tight as she plummeted like a diving falcon. Suddenly Lara threw herself into a barrel roll, twirling like a top as she spiraled through the air before tumbling into a series of twists and rolls like a gymnast. All the while she did not slow her descent in the least.

Melody's initial amazement began to turn to worry and then outright fear as Lara grew closer and closer, not stopping her aerial acrobatics. She was going faster than a free fall. Did she not see how close the ground was? Any closer and she would plow right into it!

"She's gonna crash!" Attina exclaimed. The crowd began to back away as they came to the same conclusion.

Melody was about to yell to her when Lara's tumble abruptly turned into a fast series of backflips. Then she flung her wings wide open, drawing awed gasps from all who saw. Her descent rapidly slowed as Lara dropped and landed in a crouch in front of Melody, stirring up dust. She felt the impact through the ground, Lara's feet leaving impressions in the dirt.

"Whoa…" said Ariel and all her sisters at the same time.

Little Aria did not have the ability to speak yet. But the way her mouth fell open said she more than agreed with their statement.

"You okay?" Melody asked as Lara stood, concerned after her dramatic landing and noticing how red her eyes still were.

"Yeah," Lara said, sniffing loudly before she wiped her eyes. "Yeah, I'm good. Really good, actually! I haven't been able to do that in a long time! Wish I'd remembered my goggles, though."

Melody nibbled the corner of her lip, rocking back and forth on her feet. "Um, Lara? There's…something I want to ask you."

"Anything!" Lara said, blinking her eyes several times as she stretched her wings out before folding them in. Then she walked right up to Melody. "Anything you want, Mel!"

Melody took a breath. Then she brought her hands out from behind her back, revealing Lara's goggles. "Can I fly with you?"


A/N: At long last, Lara is freed of the weight of her past. Now she can fly freely once more through the skies, lifted to them by her newfound friends…no, her newfound family! For now she has truly become a part of their world, and shall forever remain so!

A side note for my long-time readers: Darkest Tide just went through its final revision! All the chapters are now fully updated! Now before you panic that you'll have to reread the entire story, rest assured you don't! Nothing substantial has changed in the storyline. The update was mainly to fix continuity errors and streamline character traits and dialogue with their personalities. There are a few minor additions to the story! If you want to read them, you'll find them in chapters 12, 13, 14, 22, 34, and 35. Also, all supplemental music will now be posted inside the chapter instead of at the end in the author's note.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own "The Little Mermaid," Disney, or any of its associated characters and intellectual property. I do not own the listed song(s). Everything else, however, is mine =)